CHAPTER V.
I am introduced to the quarter-deck and first lieutenant, who pronounces me very clever--Trotted below to Mrs Trotter--Connubial bliss in a cock-pit--Mr Trotter takes me in as a mess-mate--Feel very much surprised that so many people know that I am the son of--my father.
On our arrival on board, the coxswain gave a note from the captain to the first lieutenant, who happened to be on deck.

He read the note, looked at me earnestly, and then I overheard him say to another lieutenant, "The service is going to the devil.

As long as it was not popular, if we had not much education, we at least had the chance that natural abilities gave us; but now that great people send their sons for a provision into the navy, we have all the refuse of their families, as if anything was good enough to make a captain of a man-of-war, who has occasionally more responsibility on his shoulders, and is placed in situations requiring more judgment, than any other people in existence.
Here's another of the fools of a family made a present of to the country--another cub for me to lick into shape.

Well, I never saw the one yet I did not make something of.

Where's Mr Simple ?" "I am Mr Simple, sir," replied I, very much frightened at what I had overheard.
"Now, Mr Simple," said the first lieutenant, "observe, and pay particular attention to what I say.