If that were permitted,--if every order were to be cavilled at, and argued upon, as just or unjust, there would be an end of all discipline.

Besides, recollect that in the service there is custom, which is the same as law." "That admits of a little argument," replied Jack.
"The service will admit of none, my dear boy: recollect that, even on shore, we have two laws, that which is written, and the 'lex non scripta,' which is custom; of course we have it in the service, for the articles of war cannot provide for everything." "They provide a court-martial for everything though," replied Jack.
"Yes, with death or dismissal from the service--neither of which would be very agreeable.

You have got yourself into a scrape, and although the captain is evidently your friend, he cannot overlook it: fortunately, it is with the master, which is of less consequence than with the other officers; but still you will have to submit, for the captain cannot overlook it." "I'll tell you what, Jolliffe," replied Jack, "my eyes now begin to be opened to a great many things.

The captain tells me, when I am astonished at bad language, that it is all zeal, and then I found out that what is all zeal in a superior to an inferior, is insolence when reversed.

He tells me, that the articles of war are made to equally guide us all--the master breaks what is positively mentioned in the second article twenty times over, and goes scot free, while I am to be punished because I do not comply with what the articles do not mention.
How was I to know that I ought to go to the mast-head for punishment?
particularly when the captain tells me that he alone is to punish in the ship.