Off with 'ee!" The Admiral's reply would probably have contained some strong words.
It was arrested by a catastrophe.
During this altercation the tide had been rising, and carried the boat gently up towards the little beach.

As the Admiral opened his mouth to retort, the boat's nose jarred upon a sunken heap of pebbles.

The shock was slight, but enough to upset his equilibrium.
Without any warning, the Admiral's heels shot upwards, and the great man himself, with a wild clutch at vacancy, soused backwards-- cocked-hat and all--into the water.
The three Misses Buzza with one accord clasped their hands and uttered dismal shrieks; the three mushroom hats shook with terror.
Mr.Fogo looked up from his washing.
"Papa! oh, save him--save our dear Papa!" There was no danger.

Presently a crimson face rose over the boat's stern, blowing like a grampus.

A pair of dripping epaulets followed; and then the Admiral stood up, knee-deep in water, and swore and spat alternately.
How different from that glittering hero, at sight of whom, not an hour before, the Trojan dames at their lattices had stopped their needlework to whisper! Down his nose and chin ran a pitiable flood; his scanty locks, before so wiry and obstinate, lay close against his ears; his gorgeous uniform, tarnished with slime, hung in folds, and from each fold poured a separate cascade; the whole man had become suddenly shrunken.
Speechless with rage, the little man clambered over the stern and shook his fist at the wondering spectacles of Mr.Fogo.
"You shall repent this, sir! You shall--Jane, push the boat off at once!" But even the dignity of a fine exit was denied the Admiral.