It was but last night he declared that decency must give way to duty, and that the orders of a superior officer were to be obeyed, with or without garments.

I know he is obliged to be on board, and now he shall try how he likes to obey orders in his shirt tails.

So cogitating, Jack took the trousers of the boatswain, who still snored, although he had been called, and putting them on, completed the rest of his dress, and quitted the room.

He went to that of Mr Asper, where he found him just ready, and, having paid the bill--for Asper had forgotten his purse--they proceeded down to the sally-port, where they found other officers waiting, sufficient to load the first boat, which shoved off, and they went on board.

As soon as he was down below, Jack hastened to change his trousers, and, unobserved by anyone, threw those belonging to Mr Biggs on a chair in his cabin, and, having made a confidant of Mesty, who was delighted, he went on deck, and waited the issue of the affair.
Before Jack left the hotel, he had told the waiter that there was the boatswain still fast asleep, and that he must be roused up immediately; and this injunction was obeyed.