he prizes to close," said Jack; "we will put the men on
board again, and then be off to Palermo as fast as we can."

"We can do no better," said Oxbelly. "If ever I chance to meet that
fellow again, I will trouble him to repeat his words. Trim the sails,
my lads."

"His language was unpardonable," observed Jack.

"Since I've been in the service, Mr Easy, I have always observed that
some officers appear to imagine that, because they are under the king's
pennant, they are warranted in insulting and tyrannising over all those
who have not the honour to hoist it; whereas the very fact of their
being king's officers should be an inducement to them to show an example
of courtesy and gentlemanly conduct in the execution of their duty,
however unpleasant it may be."

"It is only those who, insignificant themselves, want to make themselves
of importance by the pennant they serve under," replied our hero.

"Very true, Mr Easy; but you are not aware that a great part of the
ill-will shown to the service, is owing to the insolence of those young
men in office. The king's name is a warrant for every species of
tyranny and unwarrantable conduct. I remember Mrs Oxbelly telling one
of them, when--"

"I beg your pardon, Mr Oxbelly," interrupted Jack, "but we have no time
to chat now; the breeze is coming down fast, and I perceive the prizes
are closing. Let us lower down the boat, send the men on board again,
and give them their orders--which I will do in writing, in case they
part company."

"Very true, sir. It will be dark in half an hour, and as we are now
standing inshore, they will think that we intend to remain on the coast.
As soon as it is quite dark we will shape our course for Palermo. I
will go down and look at the chart."

CHAPTER FORTY ONE.

WHICH WINDS UP THE NAUTICAL ADVENTURES OF MR. MIDSHIPMAN EASY.

In half an hour the prizes were again alongside, the men put on board,
and the boat hoisted up. The frigate still remained becalmed to
leeward, and hoisted in her boats. They watched until she was hid by
the shades of night, and then wearing round stood away, with the wind
two points free, for the coast of Sicily. The next morning when the sun
rose there was nothing in sight. Strange anomaly, in a state of high
civilisation, where you find your own countrymen avoided and more
dreaded than even your foes!

The run was prosperous, the weather was fine, and the prizes did not
part company.

On th