In the afternoon, having been invited by signal to dine with the Admiral, stood out on the starboard tack, intending to pass under the stern of flagship, she with the fleet being hove to, Admiral leading in-shore line. Just when my newly-painted _Childers_ was halfway off, signal was made, “Air bedding.” Not liking to cover my ship with the dust of some 800 hammocks, turned to Coaker and said, “I shall pass ahead of the flag.” Jonas looked doubtful. Had all but succeeded, when, standing on the weather hammock-netting, I observed the pressure of _Caledonia’s_ flying jib-boom scraping across the belly of our main topsail. When within two cloths of the lee-leach, the canvas gave way, but the leach rope would not. By this time the flagship had stern way, but too late; jib and flying jib-boom were snapped off close to the cap, and dropped into the water. Conceive the position of the junior Commander of the fleet! I stood on, tacked and wore, shifted the topsail, and hove to under the lee quarter of the Admiral: went on board. The little performance in shifting the main topsail within five minutes of the accident gained the admiration of the old Captains. Instead of abuse, I was congratulated by all, with the exception of the Flag Captain, Brown. I could hardly realise all the kind feelings until I had reported myself to the Admiral, who kindly remarked, “Commander Keppel, there is nothing like experience for a young officer. You will not again attempt to pass ahead of a line-of-battle ship hove to. When her main topsail is pressing against the mast, she has generally some headway on her. Come in to dinner.” My spirits were restored by a glass of wine. The Captains continued their congratulations, but Brown never forgave me! [Sidenote: Aug. 14.] Came to off the Castle Corfu. Secured our cable on shore at the arsenal. [Sidenote: Aug. 17.] Lord High Commissioner gave a grand ball to the navy. Ordered to meet the mail at Zante afterwards. At no other place did our mids enjoy themselves more. One Jacky Day, with more money than other youngsters, sported a drag, which he drove down the steep hills, over loose stones and sharp turnings, without coming to grief. Following the troop of boys, saw my youngest pet mid, Edward Rice, roll over and over with his pony. Thought he must have been killed, but he was none the worse. [Sidenote: Aug. 21.] On reaching Zante found the mail from England. Proceeded with it to rejoin the fleet. Late in the afternoon, breeze freshening, observed a small pleasure-boat plunging under reefed sail. On closing, near dinner-time, persuaded her occupants to come on board, promising to tow their boat. They proved to be Colonel Brown and Captain Lawrence, of the Rifle Brigade, who had come across from Cephalonia, likewise to get their letters. Landed them next morning at their port. [Sidenote: Aug. 22.]