Now this was one of those situations in which the voice of counsel, or reproof, comes with peculiar unction.

Nor did Beauty let the opportunity slip.

But the mate said nothing in reply, only foaming at the mouth and struggling to rise.
Just then a thin tremor of a voice was heard from above.

It was the captain; who, happening to ascend to the quarter-deck at the commencement of the scuffle, would gladly have returned to the cabin, but was prevented by the fear of ridicule.

As the din increased, and it became evident that his officer was in serious trouble, he thought it would never do to stand leaning over the bulwarks, so he made his appearance on the forecastle, resolved, as his best policy, to treat the matter lightly.
"Why, why," he begun, speaking pettishly, and very fast, "what's all this about ?--Mr.