o see my men well disciplined, active, and sober. What I _like_
I _will have_--you understand me. Now," continued he, putting on a
stern look--"now, just look in my face, and see if you think you can
play with me." The men looked in his face, and saw that there was no
chance of playing with him; and so they expressed by their countenances.
The captain appeared satisfied by their mute acknowledgments, and to
encourage them, smiled, and showed his white teeth, as he desired the
first lieutenant to pipe down.

As soon as the scene was over, I walked up to Mr Wilson, the
lieutenant, who was standing aft, and accosted him. "Perhaps, sir, you
do not recollect me; but we met one night when you were sinking in a
wherry, and you asked my name."

"And I recollect it, my lad; it was Faithful, was it not?"

"Yes, sir;" and I then entered into an explanation of our circumstances,
and requested his advice and assistance.

He shook his head. "Our captain," said he, "is a very strange person.
He has commanding interest, and will do more in defiance of the rules of
the Admiralty than any one in the service. If an Admiralty order came
down to discharge you, he would obey it; but as for regulations, he
cares very little for them. Besides, we sail in an hour. However, I
will speak to him, although I shall probably get a rap on the knuckles,
as it is the business of the first lieutenant, and not mine."

"But, sir, if you requested the first lieutenant to speak?"

"If I did, he would not, in all probability; men are too valuable, and
the first lieutenant knows that the captain would not like to discharge
you. He will, therefore, say nothing until it is too late, and then
throw all the blame upon himself for forgetting it. Our captain has
such interest that his recommendation would give a commander's rank
to-morrow, and we must all take care of ourselves. However, I will try,
although I can give you very little hopes."

Mr Wilson went up to the captain, who was still walking with the first
lieutenant, and, touching his hat, introduced the subject, stating, as
an apology, that he was acquainted with me.

"Oh, if the man is an acquaintance of yours, Mr Wilson, we certainly
must decide," replied the captain with mock politeness. "Where is he?"
I advanced, and Tom followed me. We stated our case. "I always like to
put people out of suspense," said the captain, "because it unsettles a
man--so now hear me; if I happened to pre