Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 11 — page 28: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

— ~- —- - _— a ES wounded man, hung it up; and turned in himself. The consequence was, that the next morning the aap ata who saw him lying in the hammock, had put him in the report, but as Gascoigne had got up as well as ever, he laughed and scratched his name out of the list to which may be added his love of argument. of wounded. | i own | more ee eee The New York Library. reader must have P a emg | were rapidly disappearing; he defended them rom habit, and perhaps a willfulness which would not allow him to acknowledge himself wrong— Alread he had accustomed himself to obedience of his superi- Before morning the ship had been pumped out dry, ors, and, notwithstanding his arguments, he would ad- | and all below made as secure and safe as circumstances would permit; but the gale still continued its violence, and there was anything but comfort on board. ‘‘T say, Martin, you ought to be thrown overboard!” mit of no resistance from those below him: not that it was hardly ever attempted, for Jack was anything but a* tyrant, and was much beloved by all in the ship. Every day brought its lesson, and Captain Wilson was | eaid Gascoigne; ‘‘all this comes from your croaking— now satisfied that Jack had been almost cured of the ou’re a Mother Cary’s chicken.”’ ‘*T wish I had been any one’s chicken,’’ replied Martin; effects of his father’s ridiculous philosophy. After a few minutes Mesty tapped his cane on the ‘but the devil a thing to nestle under have I had since funnel and recommenced. [ can well remember.” ‘*What a bore to have no galley fire lighted,’’ said one of the youngers; ‘“‘ no tea, and not allowed any grog.’’ “he gale will last three days,” replied Martin, “Then why you stay at sea, Mass Easy?” ‘*I don’t know, Mesty; I don’t dislike it.” | “But, Massa Easy, why you stay in midshipman berth, eat hard biscuit, salt pig, salt horse, when you can go shore and live like gentleman? Dat very fool- “‘and by that time we shall not befarfrom theadmiral; ish! Why not be your own master? By all power! it won’t blow home there.”’ “Well, then, we shall be ordered in directly, and I | very good, Massa Easy, open one’s eyes; but t’ink of | shall go on shore to-morrow,” replied Easy. ** Yes, if you’re ill,”’ replied Gascoigne. _ “Never fear I shall sick enough. We shall be there at least six weeks, and then we'll forget all this.”’ **Yes,”’ replied Martin, “‘we may forget it, but will the poor fellows whose limbs are shriveled forget it? | Massa Easy, long as suppose I had money, catch me board ship. Little sea the lightning t’other night. Poor massa boatswain he | shut ‘um eyes for ebber!”’ ‘* Very true, Mesty.”’ | ‘** Me hope you t’ink of this, sar, and when you go on shore you take Mesty wid you. He sarve you well, | e live, by de holy St. Patrick erceived that Jack’s notions of | was too much for him, Captain Wilson will be on board by nine o’clock.”’ Nevertheless, Jack walked his first watch in the ‘‘magnificents,’’ as all middies do when they cannot. go on shore, and turned in at twelve o'clock, with the reso- lution of sticking to his purpose, and quitting his Ma- jesty’s service; in fact, of presenting his Majesty with his between two and three years’ time, served as mid- shipman, all free, gratis, and for nothing, except his provisions and his pay, which some captains are bold enough to assert that they not only are not worth, but not even the salt that accompanies it; forgetting that they were once midshipmen themselves, and at the period were, of course, of about the same value. The next morning Captain Wilson came off; the | Ship’s company were mustered, the service read by Mr. Hawkins, and Jack, as soon as all the official du- ties were over, was about to go up to the captain, when the captain said to him: ‘** Mr. Easy, the governor desired me to bring you on shore to dine with him, and he has a bed at your ser- vice,’ Jack touched his hat and ran down below to make his few preparations By the time that Mesty, who had taken charge of his chest, etc., had put his necessaries in the boat, Jack had almost made up his mind that his Majesty should not be deprived yet awhile of so valuable an officer. Jack returned on deck, and found that the captain was and will poor Miles, the boatswain, who is blind for- And den, Massa Easy, you marry wife—hab pickaninny | not yet ready; he went up to Mr. Pottyfar, and told ever?” ss Very true, Martin; we are thinking about ourselves, | not thankful for our escape, and not feeling for others,” | replied Gascoigne. ‘Give us your hand, Ned,”’ said Jack Easy. ‘‘ And, Martin, we ought to thank you for telling us the truth —we are a selfish set of fellows.” —lib like gentleman. You t’ink of this, Massa Easy.” | The mention of the word marriage turned the. thoughts of our hero to his Agnes, and he made no re- | ply. “vag ied walked away, leaving our hero in deep | thought. | This conversation had more effect upon Jack than | been imagined, and he very often would have ‘“* Still we took our share with the others,’ replied one found he was putting to himself the question of Mesty | of the midsbhipmen. ‘That's more reason for us to be gratefuland to pity the service with any particular view, except to find | am long without air and exercise.” them,” replied Jack; “ tes you had lost your arm equality, and he could not but acknowledge to or your eyesight—we should have pitied you; so now pity others.”’ * Well, so do I, now I think of it.” “ Think on deck. What a change from the morning of the da but twenty-four hours had passed away, an before; —‘*Why do you stay at sea?’ He had not entered | himself | that, as Mesty observed, he had come to the wrong lace. He had never even thought of staying to serve iis time, nor had he looked forward to promotion, and oftener, youngster,”’ observed Martin, going one day commanding a ship. He had only cared for | the present, without indulging in a future anticipation | of any reward, except in a union with Agnes. Mesty’s | the sea observations occasioned Jack to reflect upon the fu- of air and exercise, it would do wonders.”’ had been smooth; the frigate dashed through the blue | ture for the first time in his life; and he was always | water, proud in all her canvas, graceful as a swan. perplexed when he put the question of Mesty, and | you'd like to try it you shall—I have plenty—shall I Since that there had been fire, tempest, lightning, disas- ter, danger, and death; her masts were tossed about on the snowy waves, hundreds of miles away from her and she—a wreck—was rolling heavily, groaning anc complaining in every timber, as she urged her impetu- ous race with the furious running sea. | | at tried to answer himself as to what were his intentions | in remaining in the service. | Nevertheless, Jack did his duty very much to the satisfaction of Mr. Pottyfar; and after a tedious pas- | sage, from baffling and light winds, the Aurora arrived | Malta. Our hero had had some conversation with | How wrong are those on shore who assert that sailors his friend Gascoigne, in which he canvassed his future | are not religionus!—how is it to be possessed of feeling, to be otherwise? On shore, where you have nothing but the change of seasons, éach in its own peculiar beauty, nothing but the bless- — supposing them plans; all of which, however, ended in one settled ' oint, which was that he was to marry Agnes. As for he rest, Gascoigne was of opinion that Jack ought to | follow up the service and become a captain. But there | him that the captain had ordered him to go on shore with him; and Mr. Pottyfar, who had quite got over his spleen, said: “Very well, Mr. Easy;—I wish you a great deal of pleasure.”’ “This is very different from yesterday,” thought Jack; ‘‘ suppose I try the medicine?” ‘Tam not very well, Mr. Pottyfar, and those pills of the doctor’s don’t agree with me—I always am ill if I “Very true,” said the first lieutenant, ‘people re- quire air and exercise. I’ve no opinion of the doctor's remedies; the only thing that is worth a farthing is the universal medicine,”’ ‘*T should so long to try it, sir,’ replied Jack; “I read the book one day, and it said that if you took it daily for a fortnight or three weeks, and with plenty . 7 “And it’s very true,’ replied Mr. Pottyfar; “and if give you a dose now?’ “TP you please, sir,” replied Jack; “ and tell me how often I am to take it, for my head aches all day.” ~ Mr. Pottyfar took Jack down, and putting into his hand three or four bottles of the preparation, told him that he was to take thirty drops at night, when he went to bed, not to drink more than two glasses of wine, and to avoid the heat of the sun. ‘** But, sir,’’ replied Jack, who had put the bottles in his pocket, “I am afraid that I cannot take it long; for as the ship is ready for fitting, I shall be exposed to ings of the earth, its fruits, its flowers—nothing but was plenty of time to think about that, as he observed; the bounty, the comforts, the luxuries which have been | now all they had to consider was how to get on shore, invented, where you can rise in the morning in peace, | for the refitting of the ship was an excuse for detain- and lay down your head at night in security—God may ing them on board, which they knew Mr. Pottyfar be neglected and forgotten for a long ti ne; but at would avail himself of. Jack dined in the gun-room nea, When each gale is a warning, each disaster actsas a on the day of their arrival, and he resolved that he check, each escape as a homily upon the forbearance would ask that very evening. Captain Wilson was of Providence, that man must be indeed brutalized already on shore at the governor’s. Now, there had who does not feel that God is there. On shore we sel- been a little difference of opinion between Mr. Potty- dom view Him but in all His beauty and kindness; but | far and Mr. Hawkins, the chaplain, on a point of sea- at sea we are as often reminded how terrible He isin manship, and most the officers sided with the chap- His wrath, Can it be supposed that the occurrences of lain, who, as we have before observed, was a first-rate =e — — the last te pero hours were lost upon the mind of seaman. n e had forgotten himself so far as to tell the first lieuten- and activity they might appear reckless, but in their | ant that he had a great deal to learn, not having | replied Jack, delig any one man in that ship? No, no. In their cour hearts they acknowledged and bowed unto their God. Before the day was over, a jury-foremast had been hands in his pockets; and got up, and sail having been put ve en it, the mg 4 was it was ver i race knowing that his cassock usted crew, and | bitter reply to Mr. Hawkins, who at the very time | that the insinuation made his blood boil, was also re- looked e. steered with greater ease and safety—the main had been spliced to cheer up the ex the hammocks were piped down. As Gascoigne had observed, some of the men were | minded that his profession forbade a retort. He rushed | modera much pleased to find that they were minus into his cabin, It had ended in high words, for Mr. Hawkins even got over the midshipman’s trick of keeping his r. Pottyfar had replied that well for him as chaplain to insulf others, protected him. is was a or fellow, having no other method not ve their blankets, but Captain Wilson ordered their losses left, vented his indignation in tears, and then consol- to be supplied b ter: this quite alt the purser and expended by the mas- ed himself by degrees with prayer. In the meantime tered the case, as they obtained new Mr. Pottyfar had goneon deck, wroth with Hawkins and blankets in most cases for old ones, but still it was impos- | with his messmates, as well as displeased with himself. | into the boat; and telling Gascoigne what as sible to light the galley fire, and the men sat on their He was, indeed, in a humor to be pleased with nobody, chests and nibbled biscuit. the gale broke, and more sail was necessarily put on the By twelve o’clock that night and in a most unfortunate humor to be asked leave by a midshipman. Nevertheless, Jack politely took off scudding vessel, for the sea still ran fast and mountains his hat, and requested leave to go on shore and see high. At daylight the sun burst out and shone bright- ly on them, the sea went gradually down, the fire was hted, and Mr. Pottyfar, whose hands were again in and, thrustin pockets, at twelve o'clock gave the welcome order to pipe to dinner. As soon as the men had eaten their ner, the frigate was once more brought to the wind her jury-mast forward improved upon, and more sail m the gale left except the dire effects which it had pro- duced, the black and riven stump of the foremast still holding up a terrific warning of the power and fury of all a-taunto. the elements. Three days more and the Aurora joined the Toulon fleet. When she was first seen if was imagined by those on board of the other ships that she had been in action, | and to-morrow Sunday, the frigate will not but they soon learned that the conflict had been against more direful weapons than any yet invented by mortal hands. Captain Wilson waited ayoe the admiral, and of course received immediate orders to repair to port and refit. course for Malta, and by sunset the Toulon fleet were no longer in sight. ** By de ond poker, Massa Easy, but dat terrible sort of ga e the other day, anyhow. gZ0 to Davy Joney’s locker.” “Very true, Mesty; I hope never to meet with such another.” “Den, Massa ore ab no money, not’ing to eat, den he everybody say you ab plenty money—w “I'm sure I don’t know,” replied Jack, thoughtfully ; | e upon it. The next morning there was nothing of Now, sir, t’'ink one time we all other side of the deck, if you please. why you go tosea? When man _ him that it would Bo to sea; but | old Tom, the governor, would not receive him. Jack y you come to agreed to this, and then, after a flourish about the ri we | ed | “I came to sea on account of equality and the rights of | an. ** Eh, Massa meg ou come to wrong Rp ry, anyhow; now I t’ink a good deal lately, and by all de powers, I t’ink equality all stuff.”’ “ D stuff, Mesty; why? You used to think other- wise. ‘* Yes, Massa Easy, but den I boil de kettle for all young rh arpa Now dat I ship's corporal and hab I t'ink so no longer.” made no reply, but he thought the more, The Sad eR 7 —— i his friend the governor. Upon which Mr. Pottyfar turned round to him, with his feet spread wide open, his hands to the very bottom of his pockets, as if in determination, said: ‘* Mr. ar you know the state of the ship. We have everything to do -new masts, new rigging, every- thing almost to refit—and = you ask to go on shore! ou 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 again * 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 gen Ree oe 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 lieu- In a few hours the Aurora had shaped her tenant. ‘Perhaps, sir, you will allow me to argue the point,” replied Jack. ‘No, sir, I never allow argument; walk over to the Oh, certainly, sir,” said Jack, ‘if you wish it.”’ Jack's first idea was to go on shore without leave, but from this he was bese by Gascoigne, who told isplease Captain Wilson, and that of man, tyranny, oppression, and so forth, he w forward to the forecastle, where he found his friend Mesty, who had heard all that had passed, and who in- sidiously said to him in a low tone: “Why you stay at sea, Massa Easy?’ “Why, indeed,” thought Jack, boili 9 with in tion; “to be coo up here at the willof another? I intend to follow the profession; and so say , our am a took Miser inte it—I'll ask for my discharge to- | hero bowed, and left Mthe veranda, whate y had morrow.” Jack went down below and told Gascoigne | been talking. ert | what he had determined to do. This hint of Jack’s, thrown out by him, more with the “You'll do no such thing, Jack,”’ replied Gascoigne; | intention of Renting his being sent on board than oe aoe it, youd have plenty & leave in a day with any d te idea. Ebe lost ke either the — Thiguntte ubhihteei eta ticomreébooksreom the sun all day.”’ ' | “Yes, if you were wanted, Mr. Easy; but we have plenty here without you; and when you are unwell you cannot be expected to work. Take care of your health: and I trust, indeed I am sure, that you will find this medicine wonderfully efficacious.”’ | “YT will begin to-night, sir, if you please,” replied | Jack, ‘‘and Iam very much obliged to you. I sleep at _the governor’s—shali I come on board to-morrow morn- | ing?” me No, no ; take care of yourself, and get well; Ishall be glad to hear that you get better. Send me word how it acts.” “T will, sir, send you word by the boat every day,” ted; ‘‘Lam very much 0 to ou, sir. Gascoigne and I were thinking of asking you, ' but did not like to do so; he r fellow, suffers from | headaches almost as bad as I o, and the doctor’s pills Mr, Easy; I thought he are of no use to him.”’ ‘“‘He shall have some, too I'll see to it this afternoon. Recollect, 7 exercise, Mr. Easy, and avoid the sun at mid- a 7 | Yes, sir,’ replied Jack, ‘‘T’ll not forges: and off went Jack delighted. He ordered Mest put up his whole portmanteau instead of the small bundle he put poke he had put into his wheel, was soon in the boat with the captain, and went on shore, where he was cordially greeted by the governor. CHAPTER XXVIII. IN WHICH CAPTAIN WILSON IS REPAID WITH INTEREST FOR JACK’S BORROWING HIS NAME ; PROVING THAT GeoD NAME IS AS GOOD AS A LEGACY. “ Wei, Jack, my boy, have you any long story ready for me?”’ inquired he gorerne® ‘Yes, sir,’’ replied Jack, “‘I have one or two very good ones. ”” “Very well,’’ we'll hear them after dinner,’ replied old Tom. ‘In the meantime find out your room and pr gee “That must not be for very long, governor,"’ ob- served Captain Wilson. ‘‘Mr. Easy must learn his duty, and there is a good Ma now,” “ If you please, sir,”’ ed Jack, “I’m on the sick ** Sick list,’’ said Captain Wilson ; “ you were not the report that Mr. Po tyfar gave me this morning.” “No, 'm on Mr, Pottyfar’s list, and I’m going h a course of the universal medicine,”’ at’s all this, Jack, what’s all this ? There’s some story here. Don’t be afraid of the captain—you've me to back you,” said the governor. Jack was not at all afraid of the captain, so he told him how the first lieutenant had refused him leave the evening before, and how he had now given per- _mission to remain, and try the universal medicine, at which the governor laughed heartily, nor could Cap- _ tain Wilson refrain from joining. . “But, Mr. Easy,"’ replied the captain, after a pause, “if Mr. Pottyfar will allow you to m4 on shore, I can- _not—you have your duty to learn. You must be aware that now is your time, and youmust_not lose opportu- nities that do not occur every day. You must acknow- ledge the truth of what I say. : a “Yes, sir,’’ replied cacy, I admit it all, provided I do rep e