If I obey an order in opposition to the captain's order, is not that as bad as disobeying the captain?
I think that I have made out a very strong case, and my arguments are not to be confuted." "I am afraid that the master will make out a very strong case, and that your arguments will never be heard." "That will be contrary to all the rules of justice." "But according to all the rules of service." "I do believe that I am a great fool," observed Jack, after a pause.
"What do you imagine made me come to sea, Jolliffe ?" "Because you did not know when you were well off," replied the mate, drily.
"That's true enough; but my reason was, because I thought I should find that equality here that I could not find on shore." Jolliffe stared.
"My dear boy, I heard you say that you obtained those opinions from your father; I mean no disrespect to him, but he must be either mad or foolish, if at his age he has not discovered, that there is no such thing in existence." "I begin to think so," replied Jack; "but that does not prove that there ought not to be." "I beg your pardon; the very non-existence proves that it ought not to be--'whatever is, is right', you might as well expect to find perfect happiness or perfection in the individual.

Your father must be a visionary." "The best thing that I can do is to go home again." "No, my dear Easy, the best thing that you can do is, to stay in the service, for it will soon put an end to all such nonsensical ideas; and it will make you a clever, sensible fellow.

The service is a rough, but a good school, where everybody finds his level,--not the level of equality, but the level which his natural talent and acquirements will rise or sink him to, in proportion as they are plus or minus.

It is a noble service, but has its imperfections, as everything in this world must have.

I have little reason to speak in its favour, as far as I am concerned, for it has been hard bread to me; but there must be exceptions in every rule.