But, Mr Simple, I have told you this in confidence, and I trust you are too much of a gentleman to repeat it; for I cannot bear quizzing from young midshipmen." I promised that I would not mention it, and I kept my word; but circumstances which the reader will learn in the sequel have freed me from the condition.

Nobody can quiz him now.
We gained our station off the coast of Perpignan; and as soon as we made the land, we were most provokingly driven off by a severe gale.

I am not about to make any remarks about the gale, for one storm is so like another; but I mention it, to account for a conversation which took place, and with which I was very much amused.

I was near to the captain when he sent for Mr Muddle, the carpenter, who had been up to examine the main-topsail yard, which had been reported as sprung.
"Well, Mr Muddle," said the captain.
"Sprung, sir, most decidedly; but I think we'll be able to _mitigate_ it." "Will you be able to secure it for the present, Mr Muddle ?" replied the captain, rather sharply.
"We'll _mitigate_ it, sir, in half an hour." "I wish that you would use common phrases when you speak to me, Mr Muddle.

I presume, by mitigate, you mean to say that you can secure it.
Do you mean so, sir, or do you not ?" "Yes, sir, that is what I mean, most decidedly.