again left my reply for my defence; and one only
question was put by one of the members; which was, to inquire of Captain
Hawkins, as he appeared peculiarly unfortunate in overhearing
conversations, whether he walked up as usual to the taffrail, or whether
he _crept up_.

Captain Hawkins gave the same answer as before.

The fifth charge--for insulting expressions to Captain Hawkins, on my
rejoining the brig at Carlscrona, was then brought forward; and the
sergeant of marines and one of the seamen appeared as witnesses. This
charge excited a great deal of amusement. In the cross-examination by
the members of the court, Captain Hawkins was asked what he meant by the
expression, when disposing of the clothes of an officer who was killed
in action, that the men appeared to think that his trowsers would instil
fear.

"Nothing more upon my honour, sir," replied Captain Hawkins, "than an
implication that they were alarmed lest they should be haunted by his
ghost."

"Then, of course, Mr Simple meant the same in his reply," observed the
captain sarcastically.

The remainder of the charges were then brought forward; but they were of
little consequence.

CHAPTER SIXTY TWO.

A GOOD DEFENCE NOT ALWAYS GOOD AGAINST A BAD ACCUSATION--PETER WINS THE
HEARTS OF HIS JUDGES, YET LOSES HIS CAUSE, AND IS DISMISSED HIS SHIP.

The next day I commenced my defence: I preferred calling my own
witnesses first, and, by the advice of my counsel, and at the request of
Swinburne, I called him. I put the following questions:--

"When we were talking on the quarter-deck, was it fine weather?"

"Yes, it was."

"Do you think that you might have heard any one coming on deck, in the
usual way, up the companion ladder?"

"Sure of it."

"Do you mean, then, to imply that Captain Hawkins came up stealthily?"

"I have an idea he pounced upon us, as a cat does a mouse."

"What were the expressions made use of?"

"I said that a spy captain would always find spy followers."

"In that remark, were you and Mr Simple referring to your own captain?"

"The remark was mine: what Mr Simple was thinking of I can't tell; but
I _did_ refer to the captain, and he has proved that I was right."

This bold answer of Swinburne's rather astonished the court, who
commenced cross-questioning him; but he kept to his original assertion--
that I had only answered generally.

To repel the second charge, I produced two witnesses. But to the third
charge