Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 1.djvu/132

 one of you," said the lieutenant, "and I'il teach you to speak the truth!"

I, who had by this time quietly resumed my station, was ordered down along with them; and we all four stood on the quarter-deck, while the following interrogations were put to us:—

"Now, Sir," said the first lieutenant to the captain of the top, "how dare you tell me that that young gentleman was at the masthead, when I myself saw him 'shinning' up by the topsail-tie?"

I was sorry for the men, who, to save me, had got themselves into jeopardy; and I was just going to declare the truth, and take the whole odium upon myself, when, to my utter astonishment, the man boldly answered, "He was at the mast-head, Sir, upon my honour."

"Your honour!" cried the lieutenant, with contempt: then, turning to the other men, he put the same question to them both in succession, and received the same positive answers; so that I