attempting in a very gallant way to seize a fellow who
was suspected of being a smuggler," observed Voules, coming to his
friend's rescue. "You may depend upon it that Oswald would have caught
him if it had not been for that."

"Faith! What business had he to be trying to seize a smuggler?" asked
Paddy Logan, who was no admirer of Lord Reginald, and still less of
Voules.

The latter was somewhat puzzled how to reply. "In support of the law
which you Irish fellows delight in breaking," he at length answered.

"Do you dare to cast reflections on the honour of Irishmen?" exclaimed
Logan, firing up. "Naval officers are not expected to be excisemen. Of
course the fellow had every right to defend himself."

"I cast no reflections on the honour of Irishmen, but you yourself show
your readiness to take the part of a lawless character," answered
Voules. "Besides, the young scoundrel had previously grossly insulted
Oswald and me."

"Then he was influenced by private motives rather than public spirit,"
observed Ludlam, who was fond of speaking the truth, even though it
might be unpalatable to his hearers. "Still, Oswald, I am sorry you are
hurt, and hope that you will be wiser in future."

"I shall always be found ready to defend my own rights whether against
my equals or plebeians," answered Lord Reginald, haughtily. "I consider
that I acted properly, and do not require to be pitied by you or any
other person, merely because I happen to get an inconvenient blow on the
arm."

"Mayn't any one else pity you?" asked Tommy Shackel, the smallest
midshipman on board, who was apt to take a malicious pleasure in seeing
his seniors have a scrimmage among each other.

"Hold your tongue, Master Jackanapes!" exclaimed Voules; "Oswald knows
best what he likes and dislikes."

"I only asked a question," said Tommy, in his squeaky voice; "and I put
it to Oswald, and not to you."

"How dare you speak to me in that fashion?" exclaimed Voules, about to
give the small midshipman a box on the ear.

"You'd better let him alone!" cried Paddy Logan, jumping up. "I appeal
to Ludlam, who allows no bullying in the berth. Because you have had
the honour of staying at Elverston Hall, you fancy you can exhibit your
airs to us, but you are mistaken, my boy, as much as Oswald was when he
first joined."

Voules retorted, and Paddy and he would soon have come to blows, had not
Ludlam interfered, and by the exercise of the authority he mai