proved, that their hearts, if not quite right, were not very much out of
their places. Yet they were tyrants; but although tyrants, the men
forgave them, and one kind act, when they were not led away by the
impetuosity of their feelings, obliterated a hundred acts of tyranny.
But such is not the case in our service with men who, in their tyranny,
are mean; the seamen show no quarter to them, and will undergo all the
risk which the severity of the articles of war render them liable to,
rather than not express their opinion of a man whom they despise. I do
not like to mention names, but I could point out specimens of brave
tyrants and of cowardly tyrants, who have existed, and do even now
exist, in our service. The present regulations have limited tyranny to
a certain degree, but it cannot check the _mean_ tyrant; for it is not
in points of consequence likely to be brought before the notice of his
superiors, that he effects his purpose. He resorts to paltry measures--
he smiles that he may betray--he confines himself within the limit that
may protect him; and he is never exposed, unless by his courage being
called in question, which but rarely occurs; and when it does occur, it
is most difficult, as well as most dangerous, to attempt to prove it.
It may be asked why I did not quit the ship, after having been aware of
the character of the captain, and the enmity which he bore to me. In
reply, I can only say that I did often think of it, talked over the
subject with my messmates, but they persuaded me to remain, and, as I
was a first lieutenant, and knew that any successful action would, in
all probability, insure my promotion, I determined to use a nautical
expression, to rough it out, and not throw away the only chance which I
now had of obtaining my rank as commander.

CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN.

NEWS FROM HOME NOT VERY AGREEABLE, ALTHOUGH THE READER MAY LAUGH--WE
ARRIVE AT PORTSMOUTH, WHERE I FALL IN WITH MY OLD ACQUAINTANCE, MRS.
TROTTER--WE SAIL WITH A CONVOY FOR THE BALTIC.

I had written to my sister Ellen, giving her an account of all that had
passed, and mentioning the character of the captain, and his apparent
intimacy with my uncle. I received an answer from her, telling me that
she had discovered, from a very communicative old maiden lady, that
Captain Hawkins was an illegitimate son of my uncle, by a lady with whom
he had been acquainted, about the time that he was in the army. I
immediately conceived