Tom Longstone seated himself at the mess-table, upon which the grub had been placed, during the conversation, by a steward _pro tem._, who had been deputed to serve in the place of Spriggs. They did not have hot biscuits and baked apples for supper; but the fare was good, wholesome, and abundant in quantity. Jack was introduced to his mess-mates, in man-of-war style, by Tom; and very soon the conversation turned upon the events which had occurred before supper, and our hero was duly commended and admired for his manliness. “He’ll larn better how to sarve out a flunky one of these days,” said Tom, who was proud of his _protégé_. “That’s just the way you’ll sarve out the rebels, my lad: lay ’em aboard, and carry ’em all standing.” “I hope I shall behave myself on such an occasion,” replied Jack modestly. “I came into the navy to fight for my country, and I intend to do my duty.” “That’s the idea, my merry little piper. Stand by the stars and stripes as long as there’s a plank left.” “I reckon some of us will be drafted before long,” added Ben Blinks, a weatherly old tar, who had just returned from a foreign cruise, and shipped again for three years. “The sooner the better,” said Jack with enthusiasm. “I’ve been aboard the guardo about as long as I want to be,” continued Bob Rushington, a man-of-war dandy, who wore ear-rings, and had shining black curls. “I say, Jack, who’s the officer that convoyed you aboard?” demanded Tom Longstone. “Lieutenant Bankhead.” “Bankhead? He is a gentleman and a scholar. I’ve heard good things of him.” “He promised to have me drafted into his ship,” added Jack. “Good, my little honey-bee; and, if he takes you, he must take me,” said Tom, bringing his fist down upon the mess-table. “I think he would be very glad to have you.” “Suppose you put in a word for me.” “I will, with pleasure.” “And for me,” added Blinks. “Likewise for me,” suggested Rushington. Half a dozen others made a like request; and Jack did not know but he should have the pleasure of drafting the whole crew for Mr. Bankhead’s ship. But, after consultation with Tom, he decided to use his influence only for Blinks and Rushington: first, because he liked them; and, second, because Tom said they were first-rate seamen. CHAPTER VI. JACK TAKES A LESSON IN DISCIPLINE. On the following day, Spriggs was released from confinement; having served out his twenty-four hours upon bread and water. He was ordered to resume his duties as cook of the mess. He looked at Jack with an evil eye: but, as our hero was under the powerful protection of three old men-of-war’s men, he behaved tolerably well; and Jack, willing to forgive him, treated him as handsomely as though nothing had happened to disturb their friendly relations. “Just keep an eye to windward, my lad,” said Blinks after supper. “Spriggs looks as though he meant mischief.” “Thank you, I will,” replied Jack; “though I am willing to let by-gones go for nothing.”