Free pratique, sir! Shove off, cockswain!" And that was the last I saw of the port doctor.
But on the following morning a steam-launch, much longer than the _Spray_, came alongside,--or as much of her as could get alongside,--with compliments from the senior naval officer, Admiral Bruce, saying there was a berth for the _Spray_ at the arsenal.

This was around at the new mole.

I had anchored at the old mole, among the native craft, where it was rough and uncomfortable.

Of course I was glad to shift, and did so as soon as possible, thinking of the great company the _Spray_ would be in among battle-ships such as the _Collingwood_, _Balfleur_, and _Cormorant_, which were at that time stationed there, and on board all of which I was entertained, later, most royally.
"'Put it thar!' as the Americans say," was the salute I got from Admiral Bruce, when I called at the admiralty to thank him for his courtesy of the berth, and for the use of the steam-launch which towed me into dock.

"About the berth, it is all right if it suits, and we'll tow you out when you are ready to go.