This personage belonged to the party of marines, who had been drafted into the ship--for Captain Capperbar's economical propensities would not allow him to hire a servant brought up to the situation, who would have demanded wages independent of the ship's pay. Having been well drilled at barracks, he never answered any question put to him by an officer, without recovering himself from his usual "stand-at-ease" position-- throwing shoulders back, his nose up in the air, his arms down his sides, and the palms of his hands flattened on his thighs. His replies were given with all the brevity that the question would admit, or rapid articulation on his own part would enable him to confer. "Thomas, are the sugar and cocoa ready to go on shore?" "Yes, sir." "Don't forget to send that letter to Mr Gibson for the ten dozen port and sherry." "No, sir." "When it comes on board, you'll bring it on shore a dozen at a time, in the hair trunk." "Yes, sir." "Mind you don't let any of the hay peep outside." "No, sir." "Has the cooper finished the washing-tubs?" "Yes, sir." "And the small kids?" "No, sir." "Have you inquired among the ship's company for a gardener?" "Yes, sir; there's a marine kept the garden of the major in the barracks." "Don't forget to bring him on shore." "No, sir." "Recollect, too, that Mrs Capperbar wants some vinegar--the boatswain's is the best--and a gallon or two of rum--and you must corn some beef. The harness cask may remain on shore, and the cooper must make me another." "Yes, sir." "Master Henry's trousers--are they finished yet?" "No, sir; Spriggs is at them now. Bailly and James are making Miss Ellen's petticoats." "And the shoes for Master John--are they finished?" "Yes, sir." "And Master Henry's?" "No, sir. Wilson says that he has lost Master Henry's measure." "Careless scoundrel! he shall have four-water grog for a week; and, steward, take three bags of bread on shore, and forty pounds of flour." "Yes, sir." "That's all. Oh, no--don't forget to send some peas on shore for the pig." "No, sir," and the steward departed to execute his variety of commissions. The present first-lieutenant of the _Aspasia_, who, upon the promotion of the former, had been selected by Captain M--- previous to his quitting the ship, was an excellent officer and a pleasant, light-hearted messmate, very superior in talent and information to the many. The conduct of Captain Capperbar was a source of annoyance to him, as he frequently could not command the services of the different artificers when they were required for the ship. He had, however, been long enough in the service to be aware that it was better to make the best of it than to create enemies by impeaching the conduct of his superior officer. As the command of Captain Capperbar was but temporary, he allowed him to proceed without expostulation, contenting himself with turning his conduct into a source of conversation and amusement.