ticles of war contained all the
rules and regulations of the service, I take it for granted that you
have erred through ignorance. But recollect, that although you have
erred through ignorance, such a violation of discipline, if passed
unnoticed, will have a very injurious effect with the men, whose
obedience is enforced by the example shown to them by the officers. I
feel so convinced of your zeal, which you showed the other day in the
case of Easthupp, that I am sure you will see the propriety of my
proving to the men, by punishing you, that discipline must be enforced,
and I shall therefore send for you on the quarter-deck, and order you to
go to the mast-head in presence of the ship's company, as it was in the
presence of the ship's company that you refused."

"With the greatest pleasure, Captain Wilson," replied Jack.

"And in future, Mr Easy, although I shall ever set my face against it,
recollect that if any officer punishes you, and you imagine that you are
unfairly treated, you will submit to the punishment, and then apply to
me for redress."

"Certainly, sir," replied Jack, "now that I am aware of your wishes."

"You will oblige me, Mr Easy, by going on the quarter-deck, and wait
there till I come up."

Jack made his best bow, and exit.

"Old Jolliffe told me that I should have to go," said Jack to himself,
"and he was right, so far; but hang me if I hadn't the best of the
argument, and that's all I care about."

Captain Wilson sent for the master, and reprimanded him for his
oppression, as it was evident that there was no ground for punishment,
and he forbade him ever to mast-head another midshipman, but to report
his conduct to the first lieutenant or himself. He then proceeded to
the quarter-deck, and, calling for Mr Easy, gave him what appeared to
be a very severe reprimand, which Jack looked upon very quietly, because
it was all _zeal_ on the captain's part to give it, and all _zeal_ on
his own to take it. Our hero was then ordered up to the mast-head.

Jack took off his hat, and took three or four steps, in obedience to the
order--and then returned and made his best bow--inquired of Captain
Wilson whether he wished him to go to the fore or to the main-mast head.

"To the main, Mr Easy," replied the captain, biting his lips.

Jack ascended three spokes of the Jacob's ladder, when he again stopped,
and took off his hat.

"I beg your pardon, Captain Wilson--you have not informed me whether i