st the same, sir--I think they work all the
better for being merry."

"And pray, sir, what business have you to think?" replied the
first-lieutenant, now very angry. "Captain Plumbton, as this young
gentleman thinks proper to interfere with me and the discipline of the
ship, I beg you will see what effect your punishing may have upon him."

"Mr Templemore," said the captain, "you are, in the first place, too
free in your speech, and, in the next place, too fond of laughing.
There is, Mr Templemore, a time for all things--a time to be merry, and
a time to be serious. The quarter-deck is not a fit place for mirth."

"I'm sure the gangway is not," shrewdly interrupted the boy.

"No--you are right, nor the gangway; but you may laugh on the
forecastle, and when below with your messmates."

"No, sir, we may not; Mr Markitall always sends out if he hears us
laughing."

"Because, Mr Templemore, you're always laughing."

"I believe I am, sir; and if it's wrong I'm sorry to displease you, but
I mean no disrespect. I laugh in my sleep--I laugh when I awake--I
laugh when the sun shines--I always feel so happy; but though you do
mast-head me, Mr Markitall, I should not laugh, but be very sorry, if
any misfortune happened to you."

"I believe you would, boy--I do indeed, Mr Markitall," said the
captain.

"Well, sir," replied the first-lieutenant, "as Mr Templemore appears to
be aware of his error, I do not wish to press my complaint--I have only
to request that he will never laugh again."

"You hear, boy, what the first-lieutenant says; it's very reasonable,
and I beg I may hear no more complaints. Mr Markitall, let me know
when the foot of that foretopsail will be repaired--I should like to
shift it to-night."

Mr Markitall went down under the half-deck to make the inquiry.

"And, Edward," said Captain Plumbton, as soon as the lieutenant was out
of ear-shot, "I have a good deal more to say to you upon this subject,
but I have no time now. So come and dine with me--at my table, you
know, I allow laughing in moderation."

The boy touched his hat, and with a grateful, happy countenance, walked
away.

We have introduced this little scene, that the reader may form some idea
of the character of Edward Templemore. He was indeed the soul of mirth,
good-humour, and kindly feelings towards others; he even felt kindly
towards the first-lieutenant, who persecuted him for his risible
propensities. We do not say that the