the vessels were ready, everything had
been done that could be done in so short a time, and they stood under
easy sail during the night for Gibraltar, the _Nostra Senora del
Carmen_, under the charge of Jolliffe, keeping company. Jolliffe had
the advantage over his shipmates, of first hearing Jack's adventures,
with which he was much astonished as well as amused--even Captain Wilson
was not more happy to see Jack than was the worthy master's mate. About
nine o'clock the _Harpy_ hove-to, and sent a boat on board for our hero
and the men who had been so long with him in the prize, and then hoisted
out the pinnace to fetch on board the dollars, which were of more
importance. Jack, as he bade adieu to Jolliffe, took out of his pocket
and presented him with the _articles of war_, which, as they had been so
useful to him, he thought Jolliffe could not do without, and then went
down the side: the men were already in the boat, casting imploring looks
upon Jack, to raise feelings of compassion, and Mesty took his seat by
our hero in a very sulky humour, probably because he did not like the
idea of having again "to boil de kettle for de young gentlemen." Even
Jack felt a little melancholy at resigning his command, and he looked
back at the green petticoat, which blew out gracefully from the mast,
for Jolliffe had determined that he would not haul down the colours
under which Jack had fought so gallant an action.

Jack's narration, as may be imagined, occupied a large part of the
forenoon; and, although Jack did not attempt to deny that he had seen
the recall signal of Mr Sawbridge, yet, as his account went on, the
captain became so interested that at the end of it he quite forgot to
point out to Jack the impropriety of not obeying orders. He gave Jack
great credit for his conduct, and was also much pleased with that of
Mesty. Jack took the opportunity of stating Mesty's aversion to his
present employment, and his recommendation was graciously received.
Jack also succeeded in obtaining the pardon of the men, in consideration
of their subsequent good behaviour; but notwithstanding this promise on
the part of Captain Wilson, they were ordered to be put in irons for the
present. However, Jack told Mesty, and Mesty told the men, that they
would be released with a reprimand when they arrived at Gibraltar, so
all that the men cared for was a fair wind.

Captain Wilson informed Jack that after his joining the admiral he had
been