A little "dash of spirit" removed the unpleasant taste by adding another, which, to my unsophisticated palate, was equally offensive.

The water in every cask proved of a similar character; and I could hardly imagine how use, or even necessity, could reconcile a person to such water as that.

The problem was solved, but not entirely to my satisfaction, on my next voyage.
The duties of cabin boy were of a nature different from my occupations in previous years.

They engrossed a considerable portion of my time; and though they were not the kind of duties I most loved to perform, I endeavored to accommodate my feelings to my situation, comforting myself with the belief that the voyage would not be of long duration, and that I was now taking the first step in the rugged path which led to fame and fortune.
I devoted the hours which I could spare from my appropriate duties to the acquisition of a knowledge of seamanship, and developing its mysteries.

I was fond of going aloft when the vessel was rolling or pitching in a strong breeze.