Captain Wilson was
already on shore at the Governor's. Now, there had been a little
difference of opinion between Mr Pottyfar and Mr Hawkins, the
chaplain, on a point of seamanship; and most of the officers sided with
the chaplain, who, as we have before observed, was a first-rate seaman.
It had ended in high words, for Mr Hawkins had forgotten himself so far
as to tell the first lieutenant that he had a great deal to learn, not
having even got over the midshipman's trick of keeping his hands in his
pockets; and Mr Pottyfar had replied that it was very well for him as
chaplain to insult others, knowing that his cassock protected him. This
was a bitter reply to Mr Hawkins, who at the very time that the
insinuation made his blood boil, was also reminded that his profession
forbade a retort: he rushed into his cabin, poor fellow, having no other
method left, vented his indignation in tears, and then consoled himself
by degrees with prayer. In the meantime, Mr Pottyfar had gone on deck,
wroth with Hawkins and his messmates, as well as displeased with
himself. He was, indeed, in a humour to be pleased with nobody, and in
a most unfortunate humour to be asked leave by a midshipman.
Nevertheless, Jack politely took off his hat, and requested leave to go
on shore and see his friend the Governor. Upon which Mr Pottyfar
turned round to him, with his feet spread wide open, and thrusting his
hands to the very bottom of his pockets, as if in determination, said,
"Mr Easy, you know the state of the ship; we have everything to do--new
masts, new rigging, everything almost to refit--and yet you ask to go on
shore! Now, sir, you may take this answer for yourself and all the
other midshipmen in the ship, that not one soul of you puts his foot on
shore until we are all a-taunto."

"Allow me to observe, sir," said our hero, "that it is very true that
all our services may be required when the duty commences, but this being
Saturday night, and to-morrow Sunday, the frigate will not be even moved
till Monday morning; and as the work cannot begin before that, I trust
you will permit leave until that time."

"My opinion is different, sir," replied the first lieutenant.

"Perhaps, sir, you will allow me to argue the point," replied Jack.

"No, sir, I never allow argument; walk over to the other side of the
deck, if you please."

"Oh, certainly, sir," said Jack, "if you wish it."

Jack's first idea was to go on shore without leave, bu