Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 1.djvu/50

 the wind must be West, and instantly returned—to give my captain the desired information, not a little proud with my success in having obtained it so soon. But what was my surprise to find that I was not thanked for my trouble; the company even smiled and winked at each other; the first lieutenant nodded his head, and said, "Rather green yet." The captain, however, settled the point according to the manners and customs, in such cases, used at sea.

"Here, youngster," said he, "here is another glass for you: drink that, and then Murphy will shew you what I mean." Murphy was my chaperon; he swallowed his wine—rather a gorge déployée; put down his glass very energetically, and, bowing, left the room.

When we had got fairly into the hall, we had the following duet:—" What the h— brought you back again, you d—d young green horn? Could not you take a hint, and be off, as the captain intended? So I must lose my wine for such a d—d young whelp as you. I'll pay