I was then little more than thirty years old, and had just received my warrant as boatswain.

I was considered a well-looking young man at that time, although lately I have, to a certain degree, got the better of that." "Well, I consider you a remarkably good-looking man now, Mr Chucks." "Thank you, Mr Simple, but nothing improves by age, that I know of, except rum.

I used to dress very smart, and 'cut the boatswain' when I was on shore: and perhaps I had not lost so much of the polish I had picked up in good society.

One evening, I was walking in the Plaza, when I saw a female ahead, who appeared to be the prettiest moulded little vessel that I ever cast my eyes on.

I followed in her wake, and examined her: such a clean run I never beheld--so neat, too, in all her rigging-- everything so nicely stowed under hatches.