ose fellows come alongside of dying
men, like the messengers of the Admiralty with sailing orders; but
I told him as how I could slip my cable without his direction or
assistance, and so he hauled off in dudgeon. This cursed hiccup makes
such a rippling in the current of my speech, that mayhap you don't
understand what I say. Now, while the sucker of my wind-pump will go, I
would willingly mention a few things, which I hope you will set down
in the log-book of your remembrance, when I am stiff, d'ye see. There's
your aunt sitting whimpering by the fire; I desire you will keep her
tight, warm, and easy in her old age, she's an honest heart in her own
way, and, thof she goes a little crank and humoursome, by being often
overstowed with Nantz and religion, she has been a faithful shipmate to
me, and I daresay she never turned in with another man since we first
embarked in the same bottom. Jack Hatchway, you know the trim of her as
well as e'er a man in England, and I believe she has a kindness for
you; whereby, if you two will grapple in the way of matrimony, when I
am gone, I do suppose that my godson, for love of me, will allow you to
live in the garrison all the days of your life."

Peregrine assured him, he would with pleasure comply with any request
he should make in behalf of two persons whom he esteemed so much.
The lieutenant, with a waggish sneer, which even the gravity of the
situation could not prevent, thanked them both for their good-will,
telling the commodore, he was obliged to him for his friendship, in
seeking to promote him to the command of a vessel which he himself had
worn out in the service; but that, notwithstanding, he should be content
to take charge of her, though he could not help being shy of coming
after such an able navigator.

Trunnion, exhausted as he was, smiled at this sally, and, after some
pause, resumed his admonitions in this manner:--"I need not talk of
Pipes, because I know you'll do for him without any recommendation; the
fellow has sailed with me in many a hard gale, and I'll warrant him as
stout a seaman as ever set face to the weather. But I hope you'll take
care of the rest of my crew, and not disrate them after I am dead,
in favour of new followers. As for that young woman, Ned Gauntlet's
daughter, I'm informed as how she's an excellent wench, and has a
respect for you; whereby, if you run her on board in an unlawful way, I
leave my curse upon you, and trust you will never pro