CHAPTER VII.
Scandalum magnatum clearly proved--I prove to the captain that I consider him a gentleman, although I had told him the contrary, and I prove to the midshipmen that I am a gentleman myself--They prove their gratitude by practising upon me, because practice makes perfect.
The captain came on board about twelve o'clock, and ordered the discharge of Mr Trotter to be made out, as soon as the first lieutenant had reported what had occurred.

He then sent for all the midshipmen on the quarter-deck.
"Gentlemen," said the captain to them, with a stern countenance, "I feel very much indebted to some of you for the character which you have been pleased to give of me to Mr Simple.

I must now request that you will answer a few questions which I am about to put in his presence.

Did I ever flog the whole starboard watch because the ship would only sail nine knots on a bowline ?" "No, sir, no!" replied they all, very much frightened.
"Did I ever give a midshipman four dozen for not having his weekly accounts pipe-clayed; or another five dozen for wearing a scarlet watch ribbon ?" "No, sir," replied they all together.
"Did any midshipman ever die on his chest from fatigue ?" They again replied in the negative.
"Then, gentlemen, you will oblige me by stating which of you thought proper to assert these falsehoods in a public coffee-room; and further, which of you obliged this youngster to risk his life in a duel ?" They were all silent.
"Will you answer me, gentlemen ?" "With respect to the duel, sir," replied the midshipman who had fought me, "I _heard_ say, that the pistols were only charged with powder.

It was a joke." "Well, sir, we'll allow that the duel was only a joke, (and I hope and trust that your report is correct); is the reputation of your captain only a joke, allow me to ask?
I request to know who of you dared to propagate such injurious slander ?" (Here there was a dead pause.) "Well, then, gentlemen, since you will not confess yourselves, I must refer to my authority.