[Sidenote: Nov. 14.] We embarked Governor Sir John Hill and suite for passage to St. Vincent. Received also smugglers for West Indian station. A brother officer of mine once told a high personage that if the service had its due the name of Keppel would not now be on the Navy List. I perfectly agree with my friend, and should he take the trouble to finish this chapter, he will be convinced how right he was. He has a charming wife, and gives very good dinners. I have now, as I write, an invitation to one. [Sidenote: Dec. 17.] On nearing the Tropic we were visited by Neptune, when much the same eccentricities were performed as described in my account of the _Tweed_ when crossing the “Line.” A spare topsail was lowered on to the main-deck, the leach-ropes secured to coamings on upper deck, which when filled with water made a respectable pond. It was my morning watch. I was contemplating this bath, when one of the youngsters informed me that the Captain, who had just come on deck, intended to push me in. Leaning over with hands on my knees, I felt the sudden pressure on my right shoulder, which gave way, and the Captain losing his balance, went in instead of me, his shoes the last of him to disappear. [Sidenote: 1831. Jan. 7.] Arrived at Barbadoes. In those days there were no facilities for watering; we had to hoist our boom-boats, place in them water-casks which were filled at the most convenient place to be found; generally near some stream running to the sea. This was the case at Barbadoes. The Second Master was sent with the party. Late in the morning, the officer of the watch, thinking it time a turn of water should be on its way, observed that not only were the boats empty, but the crew were rolling about the beach. An officer and party of marines were sent to bring them off. It was past the dinner-hour, and Collier, the First Lieutenant, naturally much put out. Two o’clock was our gunroom hour. Just as I had sat down, a mid informed me that I was required to go for a turn of water. I was at once, in cocked hat and side-arms, on deck. I told Collier that, if he had consulted me, I could have informed him that the tempting-looking green cocoanuts always tasted strong of new rum. As it was, I had to go without my dinner. Not another word passed between us. Everything went smoothly. In an unusually short time I got back. The Captain was on deck; I saw him coming, and thought he was going to compliment me on the smart manner in which my turn of water had been brought off. He always addressed me in broad Scotch, and began with: “Meester Karpel, I understand that ye refused to gang for water when ordered by the _Firrst_ Leaftenant.” I was riled and hungry, and replied that if the First Lieutenant had told him that, he had told an untruth. Old Charlie was furious (I think he had had luncheon), ordered me to my cabin, and to consider myself under close arrest, to be tried by court-martial.