narlings
and bullyings in a way that the hands, well knew how to drive home to
one of his temperament, as sensitive as it was mean!

Consequently, when, after a bit, he commenced finding fault with this
one and that, the men would shove their tongues in their cheek and shrug
their shoulders. They did not pay the slightest regard to anything he
said; while the more bolder spirits, perhaps, of the stamp of Jim
Chowder, winked openly the one to the other, expressing an opinion in a
sufficiently loud enough tone for him to hear that `if he didn't look
out,' he would soon become possessed of a pair of eyes "blacker than
he'd had afore!"

Then, naturally, there would be a snigger all round, when Mr Flinders
had to turn away with a scowl on his unpleasant, cross-grained face. He
hated Jan Steenbock all the more, because when the jeering crew
displayed their insubordination more strongly than usual, Jan would very
properly recall them to their duty--an order which on being given by the
second-mate was promptly obeyed, whilst they utterly disregarded even
the most trivial command from him, just as they mocked at his
reprimands.

This was only noticeable at first, though; for, after a few days'
experience of this `playing second fiddle,' Mr Flinders, waxing
stronger as his injuries improved and the discoloration of his `lovely
black eyes' became less apparent, seemed to resolve on trying a fresh
tack. Taking higher ground, instead of idly endeavouring to get the men
to treat him with respect, he once more tackled his subordinate superior
Jan, who, he thought, from his treating him civilly, was sorry for the
`little misunderstanding' that had occurred between them, and would
readily `knuckle under' now, the moment he assumed his legitimate role
and `topped the officer' over him.

Mr Flinders never made a greater mistake in his life than in thus
attempting to act up to the axiom of the old Latin adage, which teaches
us that "necessity makes even cowards brave."

He had far better have remained content with his titular dignity; for,
in seeking to resume the reins of power which he had once let fall, he
only received another lesson from Jan Steenbock, teaching him that a
placid man was not necessarily one who would quietly put up with insult
and rough treatment, and proving that the tables of life are frequently
turned in fact as they sometimes are in figure of speech!

This is a long palaver; but I will soon come to the po