Jack, however, took possession of a bucket, stripped to the waist, and had a good wash.

The salt water made his wound smart, but he continued for half an hour bathing it, and at the end of that time felt vastly fresher and better.

Then he soaked his shirt in the water, and as far as possible removed the broad stains of blood which stiffened it.

Then he wrung it out and hung it up to dry, and, putting on his coat, sat down and thought matters over.
He had never had the idea of entering the army, for the measures taken to fill the ranks rendered the military service distasteful in the extreme to the English people.

Since the days of Agincourt the English army had never gained any brilliant successes abroad, and there was consequently none of that national pride which now exists in its bravery and glorious history.
Still, Jack reflected, it did not make much difference to him whether he became a soldier or a sailor.