Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 11 — page 35: what you’re looking at

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

———e = Midshipman Fasy. ——$—- —— ov =o —_— _ —_———_ —————— “What are you thinking of now, Jack?” said Gas- coigne, after another long interval. . | “T’ve been thinking that I shall leave the service,” replied Jack. R I wish you would take me with you,” replied Gas- ee ao weight I may have with you in persuading you to do the same. entailed, or you might soon be a beggar, for there is no saying what debts he might, in his madness, be guilty of. He has already been dismissed from the coigne with a sigh; and again they were both in deep magistracy by the lord-lieutenant, in consequence of contemplation. his haranguing the discontented peasantry, and, I may “What are you thinking of now, Jack?’ said Gascoigne | say, exciting them to acts of violence and insubordina- again tion. He has been seen dancing and hurrahing round se Of Agnes,” replied our hero. “Well, if that’s the case, I'll call you when supper’s ready. In the meantime I'll go and talk with Mesty.”’ CHAPTER XXXYV. JACK LEAVES THE SERVICE, IN WHICH HE HAD NO BUSI- NESS, AND GOFS HOME TO MIND HIS OWN BUSINESS. On the fourth day they arrived at Malta, and our two midshipmen, as soon as they had settled with the pad- rone of the vessel, went up to the government house. They found the governor fn the veranda, who held out | both his hands, one to each. “Glad to see you, my lads. Well, Jack, how’s the leg—all right? don’t limp? And your arm, Gascoigne?’ ‘All right, sir, and as sound as ever it was,”’ replied they both. “Then poe re in luck, and have made more haste than you deserve, after your mad pranks; but now sit down, and, I suppose, my friend Jack, you have astory to tell me.”’ ‘Oh yes, Sir Thomas, and a very long one.” “Then I won't have it now, for I expect people on business; we'll have it after dinner. Get your things up and take possession of your rooms. The Aurora sailed four days ago. You've had a wonderful recov- ery.’ "wonderful, sir,’ replied our hero; “all Palermo rings with it.” ‘Well, you may go now—I shall see you at dinner. Wilson will be delighted when he hears that you have got round again, for he was low-spirited about it, I can tell you, which is more than you deserve.” ‘* He's right there,” said our hero to Gascoigne, as a stack fired by an incendiary. He has turned away his keepers, and allowed all poachers to go over the manor. In short, he is not in his senses; and, al- | though I am far from advising coercive measures, I do ' consider that it is absolutely necessary that you should immediately return home, and look after what will one day be your property. You have no occasion to follow the profession with eight thousand pounds per annum, You have distinguished yourself—now make room for those who require it for their subsistence. God bless you. I shall soon hope to shake hands with you. Yours most truly, G. MriIppLeTon.”’ There was matter for deep reflection in these two letters and Jack never felt before how much his father had been in the wrong. That he had gradually been weaned from his ideas was true, _ but still he had, to a certain degree, clung to them, as we do toa habit; but now he felt that his eyes were opened; the silly, almost unfeeling letter of his father upon the occasion of his mother’s death, opened his eyes. For a long while Jack was in a melancholy | meditation, and then, casting his eves upon his watch, he perceived that it was almost dinner-time. That he could eat his dinner was certain, and he seorned to retend to feel what he did not. He therefore dressed | himself and went down, grave, it is true, but not in tears. He spoke little at dinner, and retired as soon as it was over, presenting his two letters to the governor, and asking his advice for the next morning. Gascoigne followed him, and to him he confided his trouble; and Ned, finding that Jack was very low-spirited, consoled him to the best of his power, and brought a bottle of wine which he procured from the butler. Before they they walked away a : : Tae ened ; » . retired to bed, Jack had given his ideas to his friend, When dinner was over, Jack narrated to the govern | which were approved of, and wishing him a good-night, on he Phiaergh ated Daee tics resesleheate in tap even | he threw pivoselt into bed, and was S000 fast asleep. ‘ ested ; gor tren eM Nome aligned gn App <a ‘One thing is certain, my good fellow,’ observe ing; ya Gad said called our two midshipmen into the | the governor aa our Bore, 4 e gave him ee his let- ’ "iy : ; _ | ters at the breakfast table the next morning, ‘‘ that your an Hag Moy ma wheel ats 4 eee cy A | father is as mad as a March hare. I agree with that the Pay Agora mpound fracture of the leg is not cured in | doctor, who appears a sensible man, that you had bet- ete not you deceive Vaptaim on on Wis | “Why, I must. say, that I do not think you exactly , , so 99 ..» | fitted for it. Ishall be sorry to lose you, as you have ‘I am ashamed to say that we did, sir,” replied | a wonderful talent for adventure, and I shall have no. - Haw did you manage that, and why?” nee sie ps 4 pent oes ae a gos but, if I under- | : . : .. | stand right from Captain Wilson, you were brought sein etae coiener oxatinr ta poner th ony oe into the profession because he thou rht that the service | and all that had passed. ’ | might be of use in eradicating false notions, rather | ‘‘ Well, there’s some excuse for you, but none for the | than from apy intent ion or necessity of your following | surgeons. If any surgeon here had played such a trick | UP 4S 4 P rotession. I would have hung him, assure as I’m governor. This affair of yours has become serious. Mr. Easy, we must have some conversation on the matter to-morrow | inorning.”’ The next morning the packet from England was re- | ported off the harbor’s mouth. After breakfast the | letters were brought on shore, and the governor sent for our hero. “* Mr. , here are two letters for to say, with black seals. I trust that they do not bring the intelligence of the death of any very near relative.” Jack bowed without went to his room, The father, “My Dear Jonn—You will be much grieved to hear | continued the governor; “a man in love may have | that your poor mother, after sitting in the corner for | some excuse for breaking his leg, but you had none.”’ nearly two years waiting for the millennium, appeared | for my own part, I hardly know why Ientered it.” | ‘To find a mare’s nest, my lad; I’ve heard all about | ’ leaving it, to look after your own property, and I think ter at once, without referring to admiral or capenn. I will be responsible for you, and you may go h the packet, which sails on Wednesday for England,” ou; I am sorry replied Jack. ‘You, Mr. Gascoigne, I shall, of course, send out by | d the first opportunity to rejoin your ship.” ang) “Thank you, Sir you,” replied Gascoigne, making a bow. ‘You'll break no more arms, if you please, sir,” spealcing, took the letters, rst he opened was from his | t is fortunate for you that the estate is ome in | ther’s door. “Thank you, Sir Thomas, I am much obliged to you,” | who opene the same as those he left. | observed 30 ——— sent to sick quarters as my servant: if he may be pet- mitted to go home with me, I will procure his discharge as soon as I arrive, and send him on board the guard- ship till I obtain it.”’ “T think, that, on the whole, he is as well out of the service as in it, and therefore I will, on consideration, take upon myself the responsibility, provided you do 4s you say.” The conversation was here ended, as the governor had business to attend to, and Jack and Gascoigne went to their rooms to make their arrangements. ‘‘The governor is right,’’ observed Gascoigne; ‘it is better that we part, Jack. You have half unfitted me for the service already; Lhave a disgust of the mid- shipmen’s berth; the very smell of pitch and tar has become odious to me, This is all wrong; I must forget you and all our pleasant cruises on shore, and once more sweilter in my greasy jacket. When I think that, if our pretended accidents were discovered, I should be dismissed the service, and the misery which that would cause to my poor father, I tremble at my escape. The governor is right, Jack; we must part, but Il hope you never will forget me.”’ : ‘“My hand upon it, Ned. Command my interest, if ever I have any—my money—what I hare, and the house, whether it belongs to me or my father—as far as you are concerned at least, I adhere to my notions of perfect equality.” ; ; ‘“And abjure them, I trust, Jack, as a universal prin- ciple.” My admit, as the governor asserts, that my father is as mad as a March hare,”’ “That is sufficient; you don’t know how glad it makes me to hear you say that.”’ The two friends were inseparable during the short time that they remained together. They talked over their future prospects, their hopes and aye y owen and when the conversation flagged, Gascoigne brought /up the name of Agnes. Mesty’s delight at leaving the service, and going home with his patron, was indescribable. He laid out a por- tion of his gold in a suit of plain clothes, white linen shirts, and in every respect the wardrobe of a man of fashion; in fact, he was now a complete gentleman's gentleman; was very particular in frizzing his woolly hair—wore a white neck-cloth, gloves, and cane. Every one felt inclined to laugh when he made his appear- ance; but there was something in Mesty’s look, which, at all events, prevented their doing so before his face. The day for sailing arived. Jack took leave of the gov- ernor, thanking him for his great kindness, and stating | his intention of taking Malia in his way ou: to Palermo ina month or two, Gascoigne went on board with him, and did not go down the vessel’s side till it was more than a mile clear of the harbor. CHAPTER XXXVI. MR. EASY’S WONDERFUL INVENTION FULLY EXPLAINED BY HIMSELF—MUCH TO THE SATISFACTION OF OUR HERO, AND IT IS TO BE PRESUMED TO THAT ALSO OF THE READER. At last the packet anchored in Falmouth Roads. ‘*T suspect that was the case, sir,”’ replied Jack; *‘ as, | Jack, accompanied by Mesty, was soon on shore with his luggage, threw himself into the mail, arrived in London, and, waiting there two or three days, to it; but never mind that: the question is now about your | obtain what he considered necessary froma fashionable U _tailor, ordered a. chaise to Forest Hill. He had not I may venture to say, that I can arrange all that mat- | written to his f: er to announce his arrival, and it was late in the mor: §g when the chaise drew up at his fa- Jack mine gee ouf\ and rung the bell. The servants the door did not know him; they were not ‘* Where is Mr. Easy?’’ demanded Jack. ‘Who are you?” replied one of the men, in a gruff Thomas, I am much obliged to | tone. ** By de lesty. ‘* Stay here, and I'll see if he is at home,” ‘**Stay here! stay inthe hall like a footman? What ‘I beg your pardon, sir; if Mr. Easy was warranted | do you mean, you rascal?” cried Jack, attempting to to pine away; whether from disappointment or not I | in breaking his leg out of love, I submit that I coulddo | push by the man. do not know; but at last, in spite of all Dr. Middleton | no less than break my arm out of friendship,” could do, she departed this life; and, asthe millennium | “‘ Hold your tongue, sir, or I'll would not come to her as she expected, it is to be hoped the very opposite feeling,” replied the governor good: she is gone to the millennium. She was a good wife, | humoredly. “But observe, young man, I sh creep and I always let her have her own way. Dr. Middleton | this affair secret, as in honor bound; but let me advise does not a poppe be satisfied as to the cause of her you, as you have only your profession to look to, to_ death, and has wished to examine her; but I said no, | follow it up steadily, It is high time that you and Mr. for I am a philosopher, and it is no use looking for Easy were separated. Ho is independent of the ser- causes after effects; but I have done since her death | Vice, and you are not, A youn what she never would permit me to do during her life, , ample means will never bo fitted for the duties of a I have had her head shaved, and examined it very care- | jun or officer, He can do no good for himself, and is fully as a phrenologist, and most curiously has she | certain to do much harm to others: a continuance of proved the truth of the sublime science. I will give | his ‘friendship would probebly end in your ruin, Mr. you the result. Determination, very prominent; a Gascoigne. You must bo aware, that if the greatest evolence, small; caution, extreme; veneration, not | indulgence had not been shown to Mr. Easy by his cap- very great; philo-progenitiveness, strange to say, is tain and first lieutenant, he never could have remained very large, considering she has but one child; imagina- | in the service so long as he has done.” tion, very strong: you know, my dear boy, she wasal-| As the governor made the last remark in rather a ways imagining some nonsense or another, Her other | severe tone, our two midshipmen were silent for a organs were all moderate. Poor dear creature! she is | Minute, At last Jack observed, very quietly: gone, and we may well wail, for a better mother ora ‘ And yet, sir, I think, considering all, I have behaved petter wife never existed. And now, my dear boy, I prety well. must request that you call for your discharge, and | O come home as soon as possible. I cannot exist without | Occasions in which your courage and conduct, as an ———— ‘ou, and I require your assistance in the grand work I | Officer, have been called forth, I admit it; and had | The time is at hand, the cause | you been sent to sea with a mind properly regulated abject slaves now | and without such an unlimited command of money, i _have no doubt but that you would have proved an or- nament to the service, you were to remain in the service under proper guid- ance and necessary restrictions, for you have, at least learnt to obey, which is absolutel : you are fit to command, duct would have brought upon you, if you had not been ave in contemplation. of equality will soon triumph; the hold up their heads; I have electrified them with my speeches, but I am getting old and f eeble; I cogaine my son to leave my mantle to, as one prophet did to an- other, and then I will, like him, ascend in glory. “Your affectionate father, ‘*Nicopemus Easy.” ‘From this it would appear,” thought Jack, * that my mother is dead, and that my father is mad.”’ For | say no more about thet:.a. midshipman. with some time our hero remained in a melancholy mood; | pect of eight thousand pounds he dropped many tears to the memory of his mother, | 18 ; whom, if he had never respected, he had much loved; and it was not till half an hour had elapsed, that he midshipman is resolved to take to himself a wife,”’ ‘“‘T hope that you approve of that step, sir,” thought of opening the other letter. It was from Dr. | Middleton: which I know nothing of, except that sh* has a pret “My Dear Bov—Although not a correspondent of | face, and is of one of the best Sicilian families, T thi the difference of religion a ground of objection.” yours, I take the right of having watched you through k “ We will argue that point, sir,” replied Jack. all your childhood, and from a knowledge of your dis- tion, to write you a few lines. That you have, by | ‘Perhaps it will be the cause of more a t this tis, discarded your father’s foolish, nonsensical ikea tie oon philosophy, Iam very sure. It was I who advised your | bed; and as he makes it, so must he lie down on it.” e, and Jam sure that,‘asa| “What am I todo about Mesty, away for that pu roing A y the heir to a large property, the idea of parting with him.” young man of sense, an ou will before this have seen the f of your lam d that you must; I cannot in father's doctrines, Your father tells me that he haa there.” : well interfere requested you tocome home, and allow me to add any “‘He is of little use to the service, sir; he has been - man possessing such | ‘Oh, that won’t do here, master; this is Equality break your head from | Hall; one man’s as good as another.”’ ‘Not always,’ replied Jack, knocking him down, “Take that for your insolence, pack up your traps, and walk out of the house to-morrow morning,”’ wos y, in the meantime, had seized the other by the throat. “What I do with this fellow, Massa Easy?” “Leave him now, Mesty; we'll settle their account to-morrow morning. I presume I shall find my father in the library.” ‘*His father !’’ said one of the men to the other; “he’s not exactly a chip of the old block.” “We shall have a change, I expect,’ replied the other, as they walked away. : ‘**Mesty,”’ cried Jack, in an authoritative tone, bring those two rascals back to take the luggage out of the d u have behaved very well, my good lad, on all holy ven now I think you would, if looked with astonishment. necessary before cast of the sku But recollect what your con- | with writing on each; but what most astonished our chaise; pay the postillion, and tell the houseekeper to show you my room and yours. Come to me for orders as soon as you have done this,” ‘Yes, sir,’’ replied Mesty. ‘‘ Now, come here, you —n blackguard, and take t’ings out of chaise, or by de poker I choak your luff, both of you,” e filed teeth, the savage look, and determination of Mesty, had the due effect. The men sullenly return- ed, and unloaded the chaise. In the meantime, Jack walked into his father’s study; his father was there— the study was lighted up with argand lamps, and Jack Mr. Easy was busy with a plaster cast of a human head, which he pored over, so that he did not perceive the entrance of his son. The was divided into many compartments, hero was the alteration in the apartment. The book- under the parental care of Captain Wilson. But let us cases and books had all been removed, and in the cen- the pros- | ter, suspended from the. ceiling, was an a & year is an anomal ich would have puzzled any one which the service cannot admit, especially when they every airectio a P ¥y one, compose ratus rods with screws at the end of them, and ual number, one of which communicated with alarge air-pump, which stood on a table. Jack also tubes in equa ‘*That entirely depends upon the merit of the party, took a short survey, and then walked up to his father and accosted him. ‘ * What!” Fpceimed eee f ‘is it possible ?—yes, ismy son John! I’m ¢ to see you, Juhn—ver glad, Indeed.” continued : 2 im by both h | soon shall equality and the rights of man be p imed everyw neha. The pressure from without is enormous, and the bulwarhs of our ridiculous and tyrannical constitution must give — way. Kings, lords, and aristocrats; landiwulders, ECO ATICE! NOC KS wers, you very soon find out who he is,” sate the A Fae ipa shaking — u é ands—*‘very g at you ve come | you think for, Mr. Easy; but sited Garay makes his own | home: I wanted you—wanted your adelethane in m great and glorious project, which, I thank Heave sir? I cannot bear now adyancing rapidly. Ve © Col tl ! ‘a \ ‘ f i H { ‘ : ' \ : 4 ; | ' / rt ' i