"Yes, I do hear you," thinks I; "but how the devil am I to get away from you?" for the cruel captains, like schoolboys round a rat-trap, stood so close that I could not start. Fortunately, this my blockade, which they no doubt intended for their amusement, saved me for that time. I recollected myself, and said, with affected simplicity of manner, that I had that morning put on my uniform for the first time; that I had never seen my captain, and never was on board a ship in all my life. At this explanation, the countenance of the admiral relaxed into something that was meant for a smile, and the captains all burst into a loud laugh. "Well, young man," said the admiral--who was really a good-tempered fellow, though an old one--"well, young man, since you have never been at sea, it is some excuse for not knowing good manners; there is no necessity now for delivering my message to the first lieutenant, but you may go on board your ship." Having seen me well roasted, the captains opened right and left, and let me pass. As I left them I heard one say, "Just caught--marks of the dogs' teeth in his heels, I warrant you." I did not stop to make any reply, but sneaked away, mortified and crest-fallen, and certainly obeyed this, the first order which I had ever received in the service, with more exactness than I ever did any subsequent one. During the remainder of my walk, I touched my hat to every one I met. I conferred the honour of salute on midshipmen, master's mates, sergeants of marines, and two corporals. Nor was I aware of my over complaisance, until a young woman, dressed like a lady, who knew more of the navy than I did, asked me if I had come down to stand for the borough? Without knowing what she meant, I replied, "No." "I thought you might," said she, "seeing you are so damned civil to everybody." Had it not been for this friendly hint, I really believe I should have touched my hat to a drummer. Having gone through this ordeal, I reached the inn at Plymouth, where I found my captain, and presented my father's letter. He surveyed me from top to toe, and desired the pleasure of my company to dinner at six o'clock. "In the meantime," he said, "as it is now only eleven, you may go aboard, and show yourself to Mr Handstone, the first lieutenant, 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 which 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."