I shall have an opportunity of talking to you on the subject and will then explain to you my reasons." As soon as Mr Jolliffe had ceased, down came Mr Vigors and O'Connor, who had heard the news of Jack's heresy.
"You do not know Mr Vigors and Mr O'Connor," said Jolliffe to Easy.
Jack, who was the essence of politeness, rose and bowed, at which the others took their seats, without returning the salutation.

Vigors had, from what he had heard and now seen of Easy, thought he had somebody else to play upon, and without ceremony he commenced.
"So, my chap, you are come on board to raise a mutiny here with your equality--you came off scot free at the captain's table; but it won't do, I can tell you, even in the midshipman's berth: some must knock under, and you are one of them." "If, sir," replied Easy, "you mean by knock under, that I must submit, I can assure you that you are mistaken.

Upon the same principle that I would never play the tyrant to those weaker than myself, so will I resent oppression if attempted." "Damme, but he's a regular sea lawyer already: however, my boy, we'll soon put your mettle to the proof." "Am I then to infer that I am not on an equality with my messmates ?" replied Jack, looking at Jolliffe.

The latter was about to answer him, but Vigors interrupted.
"Yes, you are on an equality as far as this, that you have an equal right to the berth, if you are not knocked out of it for insolence to your masters; that you have an equal share to pay for the things purchased for the mess, and an equal right to have your share, provided you can get it; you have an equal right to talk, provided you are not told to hold your tongue.

The fact is, you have an equal right with everyone else to do as you can, get what you can, and say what you can, always provided that you can do it; for here the weakest goes to the wall, and that is midshipman's berth equality.