lightly, indeed, that the first lieutenant walked away aft, that he
might not appear to be a party in the consarn, and Jack was cast off
without having half a tear in either eye when Old Duty went up to him.

"'You fished last night against orders, and therefore you have received
your punishment. You saved my life last night, and therefore it is my
duty to reward you. I could not let you off this punishment, as it would
be making the King pay you for me, instead of my paying you myself. I'm
not a rich man, but here's ten guineas for your purse, and here's my
gold watch. Spend the first usefully, and keep the other; and observe,
Jack Jervis, if ever you are again caught fishing in harbor, you will as
surely get two dozen for your pains. _You've your duty to_ do, _and I've
got mine_.'"

"Well, messmate, that's a queer story altogether, and queerer fellows in
it. I wouldn't have minded sailing with that Old Duty. Suppose we drink
his health?"

"With all my heart; for you're right, old chap. When we knows what we
are to expect, we're always ready to meet-it; but some officers I've
sailed with shift about like a dog-vane, and there's no knowing how to
meet them. I recollect--But I say, Jack, suppose you turn in--your eyes
are winking and blinking like an owl's in the sunshine. You're tired,
boy, so go to bed. We shan't tell any more yarns to-night."

I was very tired indeed, and could not keep my eyes open any longer; so
I went upstairs, and was asleep almost as soon as I laid my head upon
the pillow.