he
before observed, the captain or senior officer represented the country.
That in the articles of war, everybody who absented himself from the
ship, committed an error, or breach of those articles; and if any error
or breach of those articles was committed by any one belonging to the
ship, if the senior officer did not take notice of it, he then himself
committed a breach of those articles, and was liable himself to be
punished, if he could not prove that he had noticed it; it was therefore
to save himself that he was obliged to point out the error; and if he
did it in strong language, it only proved his _zeal_ for his country.

"Upon my honour, then," replied Jack, "there can be no doubt of his
zeal; for if the whole country had been at stake, he could not have put
himself in a greater passion."

"Then he did his duty; but depend upon it it was not a pleasant one to
him: and I'll answer for it, when you meet him on board, he will be as
friendly with you as if nothing had happened."

"He told me that he'd soon make me know what a first-lieutenant was:
what did he mean by that?" inquired Jack.

"All zeal."

"Yes, but he said, that as soon as he got on board, he'd show me the
difference between a first-lieutenant and a midshipman."

"All zeal."

"He said my ignorance should be a little enlightened by-and-by."

"All zeal."

"And that he'd send a sergeant and marines to fetch me."

"All zeal."

"That he would put my philosophy to the proof."

"All zeal, Mr Easy. Zeal will break out in this way; but we should do
nothing in the service without it. Recollect that I hope and trust one
day to see you also a zealous officer."

Here Jack cogitated considerably, and gave no answer.

"You will, I am sure," continued Captain Wilson, "find Mr Sawbridge one
of your best friends."

"Perhaps so," replied Jack: "but I did not much admire our first
acquaintance."

"It will perhaps be your unpleasant duty to find as much fault yourself;
we are all equally bound to do our duty to our country. But, Mr Easy,
I sent for you to say that we shall sail to-morrow: and, as I shall send
my things off this afternoon by the launch, you had better send yours
off also. At eight o'clock I shall go on board, and we can both go in
the same boat."

To this Jack made no sort of objection, and having paid his bill at the
Fountain, he sent his chest down to the boat by some of the crew who
came up for it, and attended the summons of