"Dogvane, order the boat's crew on deck."
"Now, captain, have the kindness to muster your people, if you please."
The man remonstrated, but the midshipman insisted; and presently the poor fellows were ranged on the lee-side of the quarterdeck, each in momentary dread of being selected as pressed men.
"Why, sir," persisted the captain, "I solemnly protest against this; we carry a letter of marque, sir; and it is more than your rating is worth to take any of my hands. I solemnly protest against such conduct."
"Very well, sir; but we must be manned by hook or crook, you know, however unwilling to distress running ships. Oh, I see--_there_ is a smart hand, in the gay jacket there, who does not seem to belong to your crew--a good seaman, evidently, by the cut of his jib."
This last part of his speech was intended to be overheard by the fresh-water sailor with the brass buttons, who now toddled up--the vessel was rolling a good deal--smirking and smiling--"Why, captain, I have paid great attention since we embarked, and really I have become a very capital sailor, sir. Do you know I have been twice through the lubber's hole?"
"Really! I knew you were a thorough good bit of stuff;" and then in a gruff voice, "so hand up your bag, sir, and step into the boat."
"Hand up my bag, and step into the boat!" said the poor fellow, all abroad; "my bag! la, sir, my clothes a'n't packed, and why should I go into your boat?"
"Simply," said Marline, slapping him on the shoulder with force to make him wince again, "that you are the very man I want. Your nautical air and speech have betrayed you, sir; and I can see with half an eye that you are second-mate of some vessel; I therefore press you into the service, to serve his Majesty on board of his gallant frigate the Gazelle there"--pointing to her, as she was fast coming up astern.
"Lack-a-daisy, sir, it's all a mistake--I am no sailor, sir--I am Joe Wilkins the draper, son of old Joe Wilkins, number so-and-so, Coleman Street. Me a sailor! my wig!"
"Well, well, Mr Joseph Wilkins, I begin to think I may be wrong; but never pass yourself off for a sailor again, lest worse come of it; and never take firearms into your hands until you learn how to manage them. Why, sir," continued Marline sternly, "you were the cause of five musket shots being fired at us, and the blood of men who were doing no more than their duty, sir, might have been spilt by your swaggering."