Philip, who inquired what had become of our hero
and his friend. Captain Tartar, who was in no very good humour, replied
briskly, "that they were on board his ship in irons."

"In irons! for what?" exclaimed Don Philip.

"Because, sir, they are a couple of young scamps who have introduced
themselves into the best company, passing themselves off as people of
consequence, when they are only a couple of midshipmen who have run away
from their ship."

Now the Rebieras knew very well that Jack and his friend were
midshipmen; but this did not appear to them any reason why they should
not be considered as gentlemen, and treated accordingly.

"Do you mean to say, signor," said Don Philip, "that you have accepted
their hospitality, laughed, talked, walked arm in arm with them, pledged
them in wine, as we have seen you this evening, and after they have
confided in you that you have put them in irons?"

"Yes, sir, I do," replied Captain Tartar.

"Then, by Heaven, you have my defiance, and you are no gentleman!"
replied Don Philip, the elder.

"And I repeat my brother's words, sir," cried Don Martin.

The two brothers felt so much attachment for our hero, who had twice
rendered such signal service to their family, that their anger was
without bounds.

In every other service but the English navy there is not that power of
grossly insulting and then sheltering yourself under your rank; nor is
it necessary for the discipline of any service. To these young
officers, if the power did exist, the use of such power under such
circumstances appeared monstrous, and they were determined, at all
events, to show to Captain Tartar, that in society, at least, it could
be resented. They collected their friends, told them what had passed,
and begged them to circulate it through the room. This was soon done,
and Captain Tartar found himself avoided. He went up to the Marquesa
and spoke to her--she turned her head the other way. He addressed a
count he had been conversing with the night before--he turned short
round upon his heel, while Don Philip and Don Martin walked up and down
talking, so that he might hear what they said, and looking at him with
eyes flashing with indignation. Captain Tartar left the ball-room and
returned to the inn, more indignant than ever. When he rose the next
morning he was informed that a gentleman wished to speak with him; he
sent up his card as Don Ignatio Verez, colonel commanding the fourth
regiment