The gunboat was a large one, and carried two midshipmen besides Parkhurst and Balderson, who were, however, their seniors.

The mess consisted of the four lads, a master's mate, the doctor's assistant, and the paymaster's clerk.

In the gun room were the three lieutenants, the doctor, the lieutenant of the marines, and the chief engineer.

The crew consisted of a hundred and fifty seamen and forty marines; the Serpent having a somewhat strong complement.

She had been sent out specially for service in the rivers, being of lighter draught than usual, with unusually airy and spacious decks, and so was well fitted for the work.
The conversation in the junior mess of the Serpent was very lively that evening.