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tight order); but it is, 'Do this, d--n your eyes,' and then it is done directly. The order to _do_ just carries the weight of a cannon-shot, but it wants the perpelling power--the d--n is the gunpowder which sets it flying in the execution of its duty. Do you comprehend me, Mr Simple?" "I perfectly understand you, Mr Chucks, and I cannot help remarking, and that without flattery, that you are very different from the rest of the warrant officers. Where did you receive your education?" "Mr Simple, I am here a boatswain with a clean shirt, and, I say it myself, and no one dare gainsay it, also with a thorough knowledge of my duty. But although I do not say that I ever was better off, I can say this, that I've been in the best society, in the company of lords and ladies. I once dined with your grandfather." "That's more than ever I did, for he never asked me, nor took the least notice of me," replied I. "What I state is true. I did not know that he was your grandfather until yesterday, when I was talking with Mr O'Brien; but I perfectly recollect him, although I was very young at that time. Now, Mr Simple, if you will promise me as a gentleman (and I know you are one), that you will not repeat what I tell you, then I'll let you into the history of my life." "Mr Chucks, as I am a gentleman I never will divulge it until you are dead and buried, and not then if you do not wish it." "When I am dead and buried, you may do as you please; it may then be of service to other people, although my story is not a very long one." Mr Chucks then sat down upon the fore-end of the booms by the funnel, and I took my place by his side, when he commenced as follows:-- "My father was a boatswain before me--one of the old school, rough as a bear, and drunken as a Gosport fiddler. My mother was--my mother, and I shall say no more. My father was invalided for harbour duty after a life of intoxication, and died shortly afterwards. In the meantime I had been, by the kindness of the port-admiral's wife, educated at a foundation school. I was thirteen when my father died, and my mother, not knowing what to do with me, wished to bind me apprentice to a merchant vessel; but this I refused, and, after six months' quarrelling on the subject, I decided the point by volunteering in the _Narcissus_ frigate. I believe that my gentlemanly ideas were innate, Mr Simple; I never, as a child, could bear the idea of the merchant service. After I ha
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