his cares, with eyes
fast closed, on two chairs in the gun-room; and our Commander was below,
reading.

"D'Arcy, I have taken a fancy to you, and I want to give you some good
advice," remarked my companion, after some time. "Just remember what I
say, and it will be useful to you in elbowing your way, as you must,
through this crowded world. First, then, keep that potato-trap of yours
shut, except when you want to catch potatoes in it; and your eyes and
ears open on all occasions. There is little harm in knowing a thing,
but there is a very great deal in repeating it; and much harm often in
letting others be aware that you do know it. Then, my boy, always
remember to look before you leap, and not to let go one rope before you
have a firm gripe of another. You pretty boys from green Erin's Isle
are too apt to do things in a hurry--to knock a fellow down, and then to
ask his pardon, on finding that he wasn't the man you intended to floor;
like the Irish soldier officer who declared that anchovies grew on the
walls of Gibraltar, and when he had shot his friend for doubting his
statement, recollected that it was capers he meant."

I laughed at Hanks' old story, though it was a hit against my
countrymen; for I have always found it far better to laugh off anything
said against one's self, than to put on the dignities and to look grand.
Laughter and good humour are like polished shields, which make the
shafts of satire glance off on either side; but sulkiness and dignity
are sure to bring them thick around them.

Our conversation was interrupted by the cry of "A sail on the weather
bow!" The wind was about south-east, and the cutter's head was up
Channel. I went to report her to the Commander, who immediately came on
deck, and, looking at her attentively through his glass, ordered a boat
to be lowered. He then returned below, and brought up a package.

"Mr D'Arcy," said he--and I felt very grand to be so called,--"take
this parcel on board yonder ship. I think I know her. If she is bound
to ---, leave it with the master, to be delivered immediately on his
arrival; if not, bring it back." I forget now the name of the place he
mentioned.

"Ay, ay, sir," I answered; and jumping into the boat, shoved off. Jack
Stretcher, who, in consequence of his behaviour with the smugglers, had
gained the estimation of all on board, was with me in the boat. Away we
pulled towards the ship with rapid strokes, for we knew that t