observed the mate, as if he doubted that the _Dragon_ would
return to look for them.

"That depends on the sort of midshipmen they happen to be," answered
Tom, putting on a modest air. "We flatter ourselves that we are not
likely to be neglected. Now, if we happened to have all been like Billy
Blueblazes there, who, from the quantity of beef he consumes, is
undoubtedly a heavy cost to her Majesty, our captain might have
considered it his duty to leave us to find our own grub for the future,
and thus save our beloved country a heavy expense."

"I see," said the mate with a wink, discovering that Tom was not a
person out of whom he could take much change. "And pray may I ask if
that young gentleman's name is really Billy Blueblazes? It's a curious
sounding one, at all events."

"It's the name by which he is known among us, at all events," answered
Tom. "The captain may in his supreme wisdom call him Mr William
Blewitt, or when he is gazetted, on obtaining his lieutenancy, he may
possibly be designated by the last-mentioned appellation; but Billy
Blueblazes he will be called by his messmates while he remains afloat."

The midshipmen went for a short time on deck, where they found Jerry and
Pat, who seemed well pleased at the way they had been treated by the
crew, who, though rough enough in appearance, were far less so than the
seamen of many merchant vessels.

"They have, howsumever, already tried to persuade Pat and me to join
them, as they have lost two or three men since they came out; but you
know, Mr Rogers, that an old man-of-war's man is not likely to desert
his flag, and least of all to join a greasy, stinking whaler," said
Jerry in a whisper, not wishing to be overheard.

Tom and Gerald paid Tim a visit, and found him almost himself again.
"If it had not been for you, Mr Desmond, I should have lost the number
of my mess--that I know; and though I cannot make a fine speech about
it, you know that an Irishman's heart can be grateful. If you ever come
to Barry Shingle, there is an old mother I've got; and a couple of
sisters, who will be showing you what they think of the matter. I have
been thinking, as I lay here, what a sorrowing there would have been if
you had not held on to me after I got that crack on the skull."

On returning to the deck, Tom and Desmond found Billy Blueblazes fast
asleep on the companion hatch; and as they could scarcely keep their own
eyes open, they followed the captain's a