d Mr Williams, the first-mate,
desired to show the officers to their respective accommodations, when he
would be able to ascertain what part of their luggage was required, and
be enabled to strike the remainder down into the after-hold.

As the officers followed the first-mate down the companion-ladder,
Captain Oughton looked at Mr Ansell, and observed to Newton, "That
fellow would _peel_ well."

The Windsor Castle sailed, and in a few days was clear of the channel.
Newton, whose thoughts were of Isabel Revel, felt not that regret at
quitting the country, usually attached to those who leave all dear to
them behind. He knew that it was by following up his profession alone
that he ever could have a chance of obtaining her; and this
recollection, with the hopes of again beholding the object of his
affections, lightened his heart to joy, as the ship scudded across the
Bay of Biscay, before a North East gale. That he had little chance at
present of possessing her, he knew; but hope leads us on, and no one
more than the youth who is in love.

The table of Captain Oughton was liberally supplied, and the officers
embarked proved (as they almost invariably do) to be pleasant
gentlemanlike companions. The boxing-gloves were soon produced by
Captain Oughton, who soon ascertained that in the officer who "would
_peel_ so well," he had found his match. The mornings were passed away
in sparring, fencing, reading, walking the deck, or lolling on the
hen-coops upon the poop. The announcement of the dinner-hour was a
signal for rejoicing; and they remained late at the table, doing ample
justice to the captain's excellent claret. The evening was finished
with cards, cigars, and brandy _pawnee_. Thus passed the time away for
the first three weeks of the passage, during which period all parties
had become upon intimate terms.

But the voyage is in itself most tedious, and more tedious to those who
not only have no duty to perform, but have few resources. As soon as
the younger officers thought they might take a liberty, they examined
the hen-coops, and selecting the most promising looking cocks, trimmed
them for fighting; chose between themselves as their own property those
which they most approved of, and for some days fed and sparred them to
get them into wind, and ascertain the proper way in which they should be
spurred. In the mean time, two pair of spurs were by their directions
clandestinely made by the armourer of the sh