CHAPTER XIII.
The Commodore takes Peregrine under his own care--The Boy arrives at the Garrison--Is strangely received by his own Mother--Enters into a Confederacy with Hatchway and Pipes, and executes a couple of waggish Enterprises upon his Aunt.
Trunnion having obtained this permission, that very afternoon despatched the lieutenant in a post-chaise to Keypstick's house, from whence in two days he returned with our young hero, who being now in the eleventh year of his age, had outgrown the expectation of all his family, and was remarkable for the beauty and elegance of his person.

His godfather was transported at his arrival, as if he had been actually the issue of his own loins: he shook him heartily by the hand, turned him round and round, surveyed him from top to bottom, bade Hatchway take notice how handsomely he was built; and squeezed his hand again, saying,--"D-- ye, you dog, I suppose you don't value such an old crazy son of a b-- as me a rope's end.

You have forgot how I was wont to dandle you on my knee, when you was a little urchin no bigger than a davit, and played a thousand tricks upon me, burning my 'bacco-pouches and poisoning my rumbo.

O! d-- ye, you can grin fast enough I see; I warrant you have learnt more things than writing and the Latin lingo." Even Tom Pipes expressed uncommon satisfaction on this joyful occasion; and, coming up to Perry, thrust forth his fore paw, and accosted him with the salutation of "What cheer, my young master?
I am glad to see thee with all my heart." These compliments being passed, his uncle halted to the door of his wife's chamber, at which he stood hallooing, "Here's your kinsman, Perry: belike you won't come and bid him welcome."-- "Lord, Mr.Trunnion," said she, "why will you continually harass me in this manner with your impertinent intrusion ?"-"I harrow you!" replied the commodore: "'sblood! I believe your upper works are damaged: I only came to inform you that here was your cousin, whom you have not seen these four long years; and I'll be d--d if there is such another of his age within the king's dominions, d'ye see, either for make or mettle: he's a credit to the name, d'ye see: but, d-- my eyes, I'll say no more of the matter: if you come, you may; if you won't, you may let it alone."-- "Well, I won't come, then," answered his yoke-fellow, "for I am at present more agreeably employed."-- "Oho! you are.

I believe so too," cried the commodore, making wry faces and mimicking the action of dram-drinking.