pman."

"Lord de Versely," replied Tommy, who felt the truth of what I said:
"he's a peculiar sort of man."

"Take my word for it, Tommy, you'll find all captains peculiar to one
point; which is, that they expect respectful behaviour, and not
cavilling, from their officers; and our service is so peculiar, that it
is absolutely necessary that the officers should set this example to the
men."

"Yes; that may be very well; but who knows but the captain of the brig
may be some young fellow, who has seen no more service than myself--
perhaps, not been to sea so long?"

"That is no reason that you should not obey his orders; indeed, if not
experienced, you ought to do all you can to support him."

"Well, if he was to ask my advice, indeed--"

"But he may not require your advice, Tommy, he may prefer deciding for
himself. Now, the first lieutenant of the Naiad is a great Tartar, and
I'm certain, if he is your captain, that, on the first word, he would
have you under an arrest. There's an old saying, Tommy, `It's folly to
kick against tenpenny nails;' and that every officer does who kicks
against his superior. I can assure you, Tommy, that if ever I am a
captain, my officers shall obey me implicitly. I will have no cavilling
at my orders. I will always treat them as gentlemen, and support their
authority, as they ought to support mine; but captain of my own ship I
would be, and I suspect that it would go hard with any officer who
ventured to dispute my rights."

"Well, I dare say you will be a martinet, or rather that you are one
now, as you command a schooner. However, as I never intend to sail with
you, that's nothing to me. I'm sure, from what has passed, that you and
I should have a row before we were a week on board; for I'm not to be
played with."

"Well, Tommy, I'm very glad we have had this explanation; for now we
both know what to expect. I am resolved to be captain, you to resist my
authority."

"No, no, I don't say that--I only say that I won't be played with--I
won't be trifled with."

"Tommy, I will neither play nor trifle with you; nor will you ever play
or trifle with me. We have done that as midshipmen; in our new relative
situations it is not to be thought of for a moment. Read this." I
handed him my appointment as commander of the Diligente: Tommy cast his
eyes over it, and at once saw that his promotion did not prevent his
getting into scrapes, as usual.

"You a commander! you captai