Jerry, who, when his indignation was roused, cared little what he said, and defied consequences, now addressed the captain. "Captain Bradshaw, before you commence, will you allow me to tell you what I will call you after the first lash?" "What, sir?" "What!" cried Jerry, with scorn,--"Why, if you cut me to pieces, and turn me out of the service afterwards, I will call you a paltry coward, and your own conscience, when you are able to reflect, will tell you the same." Captain Bradshaw started back with astonishment at such unheard-of language from a midshipman; but he was pleased with the undaunted spirit of the boy--perhaps he felt the truth of the observation. At all events, it saved Jerry. After a short pause, the captain said-- "Cast him loose; but observe, sir, never let me see your face again while you are in the ship!" "No, nor any other part of me, if I can help it," replied Jerry, buttoning up his clothes, and making a precipitate escape by the cabin-door. CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE. The air no more was vital now, But did a mortal poison grow. The lungs, which used to fan the heart, Served only now to fire each part; What should refresh, increased the smart. And now their very breath, The chiefest sign of life, became the cause of death! SPRAT, BISHOP OF ROCHESTER. The _Aspasia_ did not drop her anchor in Carlisle Bay until three weeks after the arrival of the frigate which brought up Courtenay and the prize crew; but she had not been idle, having three valuable prizes, which she had captured in company. Courtenay immediately repaired on board of his ship, to report to Captain M--- the circumstances which had occurred connected with the loss of his five men. He was too honourable to attempt to disguise or palliate the facts: on the contrary, he laid all the blame upon himself; and enhanced the merits of the two midshipmen. Captain M---, who admired his ingenuous confession, contented himself with observing that he trusted it would be a caution to him during his future career in the service. To Seymour and Jerry he said nothing, as he was afraid that the latter would presume upon commendation; but he treasured up their conduct in his memory, and determined to lose no opportunity that might offer to reward them. Courtenay descended to the gun-room, where he was warmly greeted by his messmates, who crowded round him to listen to his detail of the attempt to recapture. "Well," observed Price, "it appears we have had a narrow chance of losing a messmate." "Narrow chance lose two, sar," replied Billy Pitts; "you forgit, sar, I on board schooner!" "Oh, Billy, are you there? How does the dictionary come on?" "Come on well, sar; I make a _corundum_ on Massa Doctor, when on board schooner." "Made a what?--a corundum! What can that be?" "It ought to be something devilish hard," observed Courtenay. "Yes, sar, debblish hard find out. Now, sar,--Why Massa Macallan like a general?"