The ship remained at Hong-Kong for a few weeks, during which time Mr. Thompson, the acting boatswain, had plenty of opportunity to go on shore; but with his promotion all that beautiful simplicity of impudence, for which he was, when a seaman, distinguished, vanished, and although he knew full well the Mackays expected him to call upon them, it was not until he received the following invite that he summoned enough courage to face his good friends. "_Chy-loon Villa._ "DEAR MR. THOMPSON, "We have expected you would call upon us ever since your ship has been in harbour. As we know you would prefer not meeting strangers, we beg you will dine with us alone on Friday at 8 o'clock. "Ever your sincere friend, "WALTER MACKAY." To which Jerry replied, "_H. M. S. Stinger._ "MY DEAR FRIENDS, "I am very much obliged to you, and will be there punctual. "Your obedient friend, "J. THOMPSON. "P. S. I hope none of the officers will drop in." Having dispatched the foregoing, the acting boatswain sought the advice of a friendly midshipman as to costume and deportment, and upon the appointed evening proceeded to make the call, about which he felt very nervous. When he arrived at the place he was met by Mr. Mackay, who was waiting in the verandah to welcome him. Jerry seated himself in a rocking-chair, but looked so uncomfortable, that his friend inquired if he were unwell. Upon which Thompson got up, and beckoning his host into a small reception-room, gravely asked him if he thought he would do. "My dear fellow, what do you mean?" "Well, am I all square? Rigging all right?" Mr. Mackay could scarcely preserve the gravity of his countenance, but after a short pause he replied, "Why, you look, very nice indeed, Thompson. What makes you ask me such a question?" "Why," said the acting boatswain in a whisper, and getting more mysterious than ever, "he said I warn't all square, and I don't want to pay Miss Moore such a ill compliment as to come to dine with you and not be all right, you know." "Oh, you're splendid. Why, you look as handsome as a post-captain." Thus assured, Jerry became more easy in his manner, but he was terribly put out when, upon Mrs. Mackay making her appearance, he found her accompanied by a dark-eyed girl, who was just as affable towards him as his hostess; and when the dinner-gong sounded he actually started, thinking he would have to escort the young lady into the dining-room; but to his relief Mrs. Mackay held out her arm, which the sailor took, and thus reversing the order of things, walked solemnly from the apartment.