permission to man a boat, which was refused by Captain
Hawkins, who said I might go on shore in a shore-boat. I called one
alongside, shook hands with all my messmates, and when I arrived on the
quarter-deck, with Swinburne, and some of the best men, who came
forward, Captain Hawkins stood by the binnacle, bursting with rage. As
I went over the planeshear, I took my hat off to him, and wished him
good morning very respectfully, adding, "If you have any commands for my
_uncle_, Captain Hawkins, I shall be glad to execute them."

This observation, which showed him that I knew the connection and
correspondence between them, made him gasp with emotion. "Leave the
ship, sir, or by God I'll put you in irons for mutiny," cried he. I
again took off my hat, and went down the side, and shoved off.

As soon as I was a few yards distant, the men jumped on the carronade,
and cheered, and I perceived Captain Hawkins order them down, and before
I was a cable's length from her, the pipe "All hands to punishment;" so
I presume some of the poor fellows suffered for their insubordination in
showing their good-will. I acknowledge that I might have left the ship
in a more dignified manner, and that my conduct was not altogether
correct; but still, I state what I really did do, and some allowance
must be made for my feelings. This is certain, that my conduct after
the court-martial was more deserving of punishment than that for which I
had been tried: but I was in a state of feverish excitement, and hardly
knew what I did.

When I arrived at Sally Port, I had my effects wheeled up to the Blue
Posts, and packing up those which I most required, I threw off my
uniform, and was once more a gentleman at large. I took my place in the
mail for that evening, sent a letter of thanks, with a few bank notes,
to my counsel, and then sat down and wrote a long letter to O'Brien,
acquainting him with the events which had taken place.

I had just finished, and sealed it up, when in came Mrs Trotter. "O my
dear Mr Simple! I'm so sorry; and I have come to console you. There's
nothing like women when men are in affliction, as poor Trotter used to
say, as he laid his head in my lap. When do you go to town?"

"This evening, Mrs Trotter."

"I hope I am to continue to attend the ship?"

"I hope so, too, Mrs Trotter; I have no doubt but you will."

"Now, Mr Simple, how are you off for money? Do you want a little? You
can pay me by-and-bye. Do