As the barricade obstructed my sight, and as I was determined to see what was going on, I picked up a tray and went down the port gangway alley, as though I had business at the galley. The yards were braced somewhat forward, and I stood close to the great maintack, which sheltered me from the sight of the poop. Here I could observe without being seen. Unhappily, my position brought the backs of the convicts upon me. Tom was not to be distinguished among that throng of closely packed felons. A few were in the hospital; two or three in the prison. There might be two hundred and twenty men gathered together behind the barricade--all facing aft--their faces upturned to the doctor. His purpose in assembling them was to deliver a lecture. He spoke loudly and with earnestness, but seemed to have no sense whatever of irony. It was strange that a person of his experience should not guess that the greater part of his discourse would be listened to with the tongue in the cheek. He talked to the convicts as though they had been a congregation of respectable worshippers, people who led an honest life in their trades and houses six days, and on the seventh attended church, instead of a body of men of whom two-thirds were hardened scoundrels--seasoned, stewed, salted down in crime; miscreants who would return to their old villainies, and to viler villainies yet, the instant they were at large, if the country they found themselves in provided them with the chances they wanted. I remember he told them they were one large family, and that the opportunities during the voyage of exercising the best and kindliest feelings would be ample. Every one was to prefer his brother to himself. They were not only to be careful of each other’s comforts, but to be kindly watchful over each other’s speech and behaviour. ‘I forbid,’ said he, ‘the use of all irritating or provoking speech or gestures in your intercourse with each other, the employment of all vulgar epithets and unmanly nicknames, the use of which always indicates a low and undisciplined mind.’ I listened for a general laugh when he pointed out the necessity for convicts cultivating a humble, meek, and gentle spirit--submissive, contented, and thankful; of their ever remembering the injury they had inflicted on their country, and particularly the expense to which they had put the Government!