d a great deal of spirit and good sense in desiring to be
taken from under his command; he therefore declared that the boy
should not live a week longer with such a shambling son of a b--, and
sanctioned this declaration with abundance of oaths.

Mrs. Trunnion, composing her countenance into a look of religions
demureness, rebuked him for his profane way of talking; and asked, in
a magisterial tone, if he intended never to lay aside that brutal
behaviour. Irritated at this reproach, he answered, in terms of
indignation, that he knew how to behave himself as well as e'er a woman
that wore a head, bade her mind her affairs, and with another repetition
of oaths gave her to understand that he would be master in his own
house.

The insinuation operated upon her spirits like friction upon a glass
globe: her face gleamed with resentment, and every pore seemed to emit
particles of flame. She replied with incredible fluency of the bitterest
expressions: he retorted equal rage in broken hints and incoherent
imprecations: she rejoined with redoubled fury; and in conclusion he was
fain to betake himself to flight, ejaculating curses against her; and
muttering something concerning the brandy-bottle, which, however, he
took care should never reach her ears.

From his own house he went directly to visit Mrs. Pickle, to whom
he imparted Peregrine's epistle, with many encomiums upon the boy's
promising parts: and, finding his commendations but coolly received,
desired she would permit him to take his godson under his own care.

This lady, whose family was now increased by another son, who seemed to
engross her care for the present, had not seen Perry during a course
of four years, and, with regard to him, was perfectly weaned of
that infirmity known by the name of maternal fondness: she therefore
consented to the commodore's request with great condescension, and a
polite compliment to him on the concern he had all along manifested for
the welfare of the child.

CHAPTER XIII.

The Commodore takes Peregrine under his own care--The Boy arrives at
the Garrison--Is strangely received by his own Mother--Enters into a
Confederacy with Hatchway and Pipes, and executes a couple of waggish
Enterprises upon his Aunt.

Trunnion having obtained this permission, that very afternoon despatched
the lieutenant in a post-chaise to Keypstick's house, from whence in two
days he returned with our young hero, who being now in the eleventh