The officers now began to be very noisy, arguing among themselves upon points of service, and taking no notice whatever of the captain. The master, in explanation, drew a chart, with wine, upon the polished table, while the first-lieutenant defended his opinion with pieces of biscuit, laid at different positions--during which two more glasses were demolished. The captain rang, and ordered coffee in an angry tone. When the officers had taken it, he bowed stiffly, and wished them good evening. There was one dish which was an object of abhorrence to Captain Bradshaw. The first-lieutenant, aware of it, as they rose to depart, said, "Captain Bradshaw, if it's not too great a liberty, we should like to have some _tripe_ to-morrow. We are all three very partial to it." "So am I," rejoined Jerry. Captain Bradshaw could hold out no longer. "Leave the cabin immediately, gentlemen. By heavens, you shall never put your legs under my table again." "Are we not to dine here to-morrow, sir?" replied the first-lieutenant with affected surprise; "the order says, `every day.'" "Till further orders," roared the captain; "and now you have them, for I'll be damned if ever you dine with me again." The officers took their departure, restraining their mirth until they gained the gun-room: and Jerry was about to follow, when Captain Bradshaw caught him by the arm. "Stop, my young gentleman, you've not had your `whack,' yet." "I've had quite sufficient, sir, I thank you," replied Jerry; "an excellent dinner--many thanks to your hospitality." "Yes, but I must now give you your dessert." "I've had my dessert and coffee too, sir," said Jerry, trying to escape. "But you have not had your _chasse-cafe_, and I cannot permit you to leave the cabin without it. Steward, desire a boatswain's mate to bring his cat, and a quarter-master to come here with seizings." Jerry was now in a stew--the inflexible countenance of Captain Bradshaw showed that he was in earnest. However, he held his tongue until the operators appeared, hoping that the captain would think better of it. "Seize this young gentleman up to the breach of the gun, quarter-master!" "Will you oblige me, sir, by letting me know my offence!" "No, sir." "I do not belong to your ship," continued Jerry. "If I have done wrong, Captain M--- is well known to be a strict officer, and will pay every attention to your complaint." "I will save him the trouble, sir." Jerry was now seized up, and every arrangement made preparatory to punishment. "Well, sir," resumed Jerry, "it must be as you please; but I know what Captain M--- will say." "What, sir?" "That you were angry with your officers, whom you could not punish, and revenged yourself upon a poor boy." "Would he?--Boatswain's mate, where's your cat?" "Here, sir;--how many tails am I to use?" "Oh, give him the whole nine." "Why, your honour," replied the man, in a compassionate tone, "there's hardly room for them there."