However, I have known more unlikely subjects than he is turn out decent fellows after a course of instruction from the boys; but he will have rather a rough time of it at first I expect.

You will be doing him a kindness if you take an opportunity to tell him that a newly-joined ensign is not regarded in the same light as a commander-in-chief.

It is like a new boy going to school, you know.

If fellows find out he is a decent sort of boy, they soon let him alone; but if he is an ass, especially a conceited ass, he has rather a rough time of it.

As you are in the same cabin with him, and have had the advantage of having knocked about the world a bit, you might gently hint this to him." "I have been chatting with him a bit," Ralph said.