Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 1.djvu/42

 me from top to toe, and desired the pleasure of my company to dinner at six o'clock. "In the mean time," he said, "as it is now only eleven, you may go a-board, and shew yourself to Mr. Handstone, the first leutenant, who will cause your name to be entered on the books, and allow you to come back here to dine." I bowed and retired. And on my way to Mutton Cove, was saluted by the females, with the appellation of Royal Reefer (midshipman), and a Biscuit Nibbler; but all this I neither understood nor cared for.

I arrived safely at Mutton Cove, where two women, seeing my inquiring eye, and span-new dress, asked what ship they should take "my honour" to. I told them the ship I wished to go on board of.

"She lays under the Obelisk," said the elder woman, who appeared to be about forty years of age; "and we will take your honour off for a shilling."

I agreed to this, both for the novelty of the