ained on shore all the night. He did not
therefore see Jack but for a few minutes, and thinking it his duty to
say nothing to him at first, or to express his displeasure, he merely
observed to him that the captain would speak to him as soon as he came
on board. As Gascoigne and our hero did not know how far it might be
safe, even at Malta, to acknowledge to what occurred on board the
speronare, which might get wind, they did not even tell their messmates,
resolving only to confide it to the captain.

When Jack was ushered into the presence of the captain, he found him
sitting with the Governor, and the breakfast on the table ready for
them. Jack walked in with courage, but respectfully. He was fond of
Captain Wilson, and wished to show him respect. Captain Wilson
addressed him, pointed out that he had committed a great error in
fighting a duel, a greater error in demeaning himself by fighting the
purser's steward, and still greater in running away from his ship. Jack
looked respectfully to Captain Wilson, acknowledged that he had done
wrong, and promised to be more careful another time, if Captain Wilson
would look over it.

"Captain Wilson, allow me to plead for the young gentleman," said the
Governor; "I am convinced that it has only been an error in judgment."

"Well, Mr Easy, as you express your contrition, and the Governor
interferes in your behalf, I shall take no more notice of this; but
recollect, Mr Easy, that you have occasioned me a great deal of anxiety
by your mad pranks, and I trust another time you will remember that I am
too anxious for your welfare not to be uncomfortable when you run such
risks. You may now go on board to your duty, and tell Mr Gascoigne to
do the same; and pray let us hear of no more duels or running away."

Jack, whose heart softened at this kind treatment, did not venture to
speak; he made his bow, and was about to quit the room, when the
Governor said:

"Mr Easy, you have not breakfasted."

"I have, sir," replied Jack, "before I came on shore."

"But a midshipman can always eat two breakfasts, particularly when his
own comes first--so sit down and breakfast with us--it's all over now."

"Even if it was not," replied Captain Wilson, laughing, "I doubt whether
it would spoil Mr Easy's breakfast;--come, Mr Easy, sit down."

Jack bowed, and took his chair, and proved that his lecture had not
taken away his appetite. When breakfast was over, Captain Wilson
observed: