ght be unperceived.

"Well, now, I do declare, this is too bad--I most certainly will
complain to the captain, to-morrow morning--as sure as my name is Prose.
Sentry, bring me a light, and assist me to get my hammock up again--I
will not put up with this treatment--I do declare;" and so saying, Prose
once more resumed his position in his precarious dormitory.

But, during our digression, the berth has become empty--some walking,
and others, particularly his majesty, reeling to bed. So we shall close
this chapter, from which the reader may perceive, that, even in the
best-regulated ships, there is more going on in a midshipmen's berth
than a captain is acquainted with, or that comes between Heaven and his
philosophy.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

With leave, Bassanio, I am half yourself, and I must freely have the
half of anything that this same paper brings you.

SHAKESPEARE.

The castle which had been built by the ancestors of Mr Rainscourt, and
which, in feudal times, had been one of strength and importance, was
about two miles from the town of ---, in the county of Galway, on the
west coast of Ireland; and, as Mr Rainscourt had correctly surmised,
when he returned to it, no officer could be found who was bold enough to
venture his life by an attempt at caption, surrounded as he was by a
savage and devoted peasantry, who had no scruples at bloodshed. Immured
within its walls, with little to interest, and no temptation to expend
money, Mr and Mrs Rainscourt lived for nearly two years, indulging
their spleen and discontent in mutual upbraidings,--their feelings
towards each other, from incessant irritation, being now rather those of
hatred than any other term that could be applied. The jewels of Mrs
Rainscourt, and every other article that could be dispensed with, had
been sold, and the purse was empty. The good-will of the tenants of the
mortgaged property had for some time supplied the ill-assorted couple
with the necessaries of life; every day added to their wants, to their
hatred, and their despair.

They were seated at the table, having finished a dinner off some game
which Mr Rainscourt had procured with his gun, and which had been their
fare, with little variety, ever since the shooting season had commenced,
when the old nurse, the only domestic they retained,--probably the only
one who would remain with them without receiving wages,--made her
appearance. "And sure there's a letter for the master;