"Exactly so; but, sir, their 'mergency is my daily and hourly duty. In the continual working of the ship I am answerable for all that goes amiss. The life of a boatswain is a life of 'mergency, and therefore I swear." "I still cannot allow it to be requisite, and certainly it is sinful." "Excuse me, my dear sir; it is absolutely requisite, and not at all sinful. There is one language for the pulpit, and another for on board ship, and, in either situation, a man must make use of those terms most likely to produce the necessary effect upon his listeners. Certain it is that common parlancy won't do with a common seaman. It is not here as in the Scriptures, `Do this, and he doeth it,' (by-the-by, that chap must have had his soldiers in tight order); but it is `Do this, damn your eyes,' and then it is done directly. The order to _do_ just carries the weight of a cannon shot, but it wants the perpelling power-- the damn is the gunpowder which sets it flying in the execution of its duty. Do you comprehend me, Mr Simple?" "I perfectly understand you, Mr Chucks, and I cannot help remarking, and that without flattery, that you are very different from the rest of the warrant officers. Where did you receive your education?" "Mr Simple, I am here a boatswain with a clean shirt, and, I say it myself, and no one dare gainsay it, also with a thorough knowledge of my duty. But although I do not say that I ever was better off, I can say this, that I've been in the best society, in the company of lords and ladies. I once dined with your grandfather." "That's more than ever I did, for he never asked me, nor took the least notice of me," replied I. "What I state is true. I did not know that he was your grandfather until yesterday, when I was talking with Mr O'Brien; but I perfectly recollect him, although I was very young at that time. Now, Mr Simple, if you will promise me as a gentleman (and I know you are one), that you will not repeat what I tell you, then I'll let you into the history of my life." "Mr Chucks, as I am a gentleman I never will divulge it until you are dead and buried, and not then if you do not wish it." Mr Chucks then sat down upon the fore-end of the booms by the funnel, and I took my place by his side, when he commenced as follows:--