"Well, youngster, so you've joined us at last.

Come and dine with us to-day?
and, as you go down to your berth, desire the sentry to pass the word for the butcher; I want to speak with him." I bowed and retired.

I was met in the most friendly manner by the officers and by my own messmates, who had been prepossessed in my favour by O'Brien, previous to my arrival.

In our service you always find young men of the best families on board large frigates, they being considered the most eligible class of vessels; I found my messmates to be gentlemen, with one or two exceptions, but I never met so many wild young lads together.

I sat down and ate some dinner with them, although I was to dine in the cabin, for the sea air made me hungry.
"Don't you dine in the cabin, Simple ?" said the caterer.
"Yes," replied I.
"Then don't eat any pork, my boy, now, for you'll have plenty there.
Come, gentlemen, fill your glasses; we'll drink happiness to our new messmate, and pledging him, we pledge ourselves to try to promote it." "I'll just join you in that toast," said O'Brien, walking into the midshipmen's berth.