Lieutenant Nares unexpectedly came on the scene, and, arming himself with a long piece of tough seaweed, something like a South African sjambok, he gave chase, and scored heavily off several, being very fleet of foot. Having afforded this practical proof of the probable consequences of being caught at such games, he gave them a lecture as to the far more serious results of losing their footing, or being dragged out by the undertow--which, indeed, one or two had narrowly escaped. It was not long after the appointment of Captain Powell that the Admiralty decided to introduce corporal punishment for serious offences among the cadets. It is not quite clear at the present time what gave rise to this innovation, but there were probably some unusually reckless spirits among the youngsters, of whom it was deemed necessary to make an example. There was considerable awe among the cadets the first time they were assembled to "witness punishment"--for it was publicly inflicted--and the culprit was lashed, in true man-o'-war fashion, on one side of the deck, facing a port, while his comrades were drawn up opposite. The deterrent effect was probably somewhat discounted by the amazing _sang froid_ of the young gentleman under punishment, who took his birching without a murmur, and, having a good view of Portland Roads through the port, had apparently been interesting himself in the manoeuvres of a merchant vessel which was beating in; for, as the last stroke was given, and the corporal advanced to release him, he remarked, in a genial, conversational tone, "Ah, she's missed stays! I thought she would!" This lad naturally became rather a hero in the eyes of his fellows, especially as he was already rather a favourite, being of the breezy type, which sailors call a "Jack-shilloo." It must be said, however, that birchings were few and far between, at least in the days of Captain Powell. In March, 1863, came the marriage of the Prince of Wales, the day being observed as a holiday, and white "favours," with the portraits of the Prince and of Princess Alexandra on them, were distributed to the cadets, who were also allowed leave to go to Weymouth--though they found nothing particularly amusing to do there. Indeed, a more uninteresting town for a lad to spend some hours in could not well be imagined. The numerous disabilities of Portland began about this period to be brought home to the Admiralty, chiefly through the representations of Captain Powell, who eventually received instructions to look round for a more suitable station. In recommending Dartmouth he probably made the best selection possible. The only objection that could be raised to it was that it might not be sufficiently bracing, and this was more or less of a "faddy" idea; in all other respects it appeared--and has proved to be--most admirably suited for the purpose.