ne is corked."

"Indeed--take it away, steward, and bring another bottle."

Another was put on the table.

"I hope you will find that better, Mr Roberts," said the captain, who
really thought that what he stated had been the case.

"Yes," replied the first-lieutenant; "for the description of wine, it's
well enough."

"What do you mean, sir? Why, its Chateau Margaux of the first growth."

"Excuse me, sir," replied the officer, with an incredulous smile; "they
must have imposed upon you."

Captain Bradshaw, who was an excellent judge of wine, called for a
glass, and pouring out the claret, tasted it. "I must differ from you,
sir; and, moreover, I have no better."

"Then I'll trouble you to pass the port, doctor, for I really cannot
drink that stuff."

"Do you drink port, Mr Bradly?" said the captain, with a countenance as
black as a thunder-cloud.

"No, not to-day; I am not well in my inside: but I'll punish the port
to-morrow."

"So will I," said the surgeon.

"And as I am not among the privileged," added Jerry, who had already
forgotten the hint, "I'll take my whack to-day."

"Perhaps you may," observed the captain, drily.

The officers now began to be very noisy, arguing among themselves upon
points of service, and taking no notice whatever of the captain. The
master, in explanation, drew a chart, with wine, upon the polished
table, while the first-lieutenant defended his opinion with pieces of
biscuit, laid at different positions--during which two more glasses were
demolished.

The captain rang, and ordered coffee in an angry tone. When the
officers had taken it, he bowed stiffly, and wished them good evening.

There was one dish which was an object of abhorrence to Captain
Bradshaw. The first-lieutenant, aware of it, as they rose to depart,
said, "Captain Bradshaw, if it's not too great a liberty, we should like
to have some _tripe_ to-morrow. We are all three very partial to it."

"So am I," rejoined Jerry.

Captain Bradshaw could hold out no longer. "Leave the cabin
immediately, gentlemen. By heavens, you shall never put your legs under
my table again."

"Are we not to dine here to-morrow, sir?" replied the first-lieutenant
with affected surprise; "the order says, `every day.'"

"Till further orders," roared the captain; "and now you have them, for
I'll be damned if ever you dine with me again."

The officers took their departure, restraining their mirth until they
gained the gun