the ship since she had been in port, and had some few purchases
to make, left her in the afternoon in the charge of Mr Smallsole, the
master. Now, as we have observed, he was Jack's inveterate enemy--
indeed Jack had already made three, Mr Smallsole, Mr Biggs the
boatswain, and Easthupp, the purser's steward. Mr Smallsole was glad
to be left in command, as he hoped to have an opportunity of punishing
our hero, who certainly laid himself not a little open to it.

Like all those who are seldom in command, the master was proportionally
tyrannical and abusive--he swore at the men, made them do the duty twice
and thrice over on the pretence that it was not smartly done, and found
fault with every officer remaining on board.

"Mr Biggs--by God, sir, you seem to be all asleep forward; I suppose
you think that you are to do nothing, now the first lieutenant is out of
the ship? How long will it be, sir, before you are ready to sway away?"

"By de holy poker, I tink he sway away finely, Massa Easy," observed
Mesty, who was in converse with our hero on the forecastle.

Mr Smallsole's violence made Mr Biggs violent, which made the
boatswain's mate violent--and the captain of the forecastle violent
also; all which is practically exemplified by philosophy in the laws of
motion, communicated from one body to another: and as Mr Smallsole
swore, so did the boatswain swear--also the boatswain's mate, the
captain of the forecastle, and all the men; showing the force of
example.

Mr Smallsole came forward--"Damnation, Mr Biggs, what the devil are
you about? can't you move here?"

"As much as we can, sir," replied the boatswain, "lumbered as the
forecastle is with idlers;" and here Mr Biggs looked at our hero and
Mesty, who were standing against the bulwark.

"What are you doing here, sir?" cried Mr Smallsole to our hero.

"Nothing at all, sir," replied Jack.

"Then I'll give you something to do, sir. Go up to the mast-head, and
wait there till I call you down. Come, sir, I'll show you the way,"
continued the master, walking aft. Jack followed till they were on the
quarter-deck.

"Now, sir, up to the main-top gallant mast-head; perch yourself upon the
cross trees--up with you."

"What am I to go up there for, sir?" inquired Jack.

"For punishment, sir," replied the master.

"What have I done, sir?"

"No reply, sir--up with you."

"If you please, sir," replied Jack, "I should wish to argue this point a
little."

"A