being confined with her spouse in a hammock, which, though enlarged
with a double portion of canvas, and dilated with a yoke for the
occasion, was at best but a disagreeable, not to say dangerous
situation. She accordingly complained with some warmth of this
inconvenience, which she imputed to disrespect; and, at first,
absolutely refused to put up with the expedient; but Mrs. Pickle
soon brought her to reason and compliance, by observing that one
night will soon be elapsed, and next day she might regulate her
own economy.

Thus persuaded, she ventured into the vehicle, and was visited by
her husband in less than an hour, the company being departed to their
own homes, and the garrison left to the command of his lieutenant
and mate. But it seems the hooks that supported this swinging couch
were not calculated for the addition of weight which they were
now destined to bear; and therefore gave way in the middle of the
night, to the no small terror of Mrs. Trunnion, who perceiving
herself falling, screamed aloud, and by that exclamation brought
Hatchway with a light into the chamber. Though she had received
no injury by the fall, she was extremely discomposed and incensed
at the accident, which she even openly ascribed to the obstinacy
and whimsical oddity of the commodore, in such petulant terms as
evidently declared that she thought her great aim accomplished, and
her authority secured against all the shocks of fortune. Indeed her
bedfellow seemed to be of the same opinion, by his tacit resignation;
for he made no reply to her insinuations, but with a most vinegar
aspect crawled out of his nest, and betook himself to rest in another
apartment; while his irritated spouse dismissed the lieutenant, and
from the wreck of the hammock made an occasional bed for herself
on the floor, fully determined to provide better accommodation for