And when the time came for the Captain's trial, on the charge of losing the vessel under his command, and he stood there with his arm in a sling, his sword was returned to him by the President, who, in a long speech, said, that he had behaved as a seaman of whom the country might be proud.

His ship was afloat again, and was waiting for its Captain, whom the Court considered in no way to blame.
"Just as if all them there bigwigs need ha' made all that fuss, Master Bob," said the coxswain one day when he was up at the house.

"Why, if I'd ha' been the Adm'ral I should ha' just slapped the Cap'n on the shoulder and ha' said, 'It's a bad job, Cap'n Trevor, but the dock-yard folk'll soon put the "Flash" to rights, and, as soon as your fin feels fit, go down and take the command again.'" "Of course, 'Jack,'" said the Skipper proudly.

"It wasn't his fault a bit." "O' course not, and it's been a lesson for you not to leave that there little darlin' sis o' yours again.' "Yes, 'Jack,'" said the Skipper, turning away his flushed face.
"Well, you needn't be 'shamed o' doing wrong if so be as you're really sorry for it.

But, I say, Master Bob." "Yes, 'Jack.'" "When you're growed up into a real big Cap'n, and we tries to save your life a-swimming ashore with you, don't you go for to punch me in the nose again, like you did that day." "Oh, 'Jack,' I am so sorry," cried the Skipper, looking very red.
"Yes, but you punched me six times, two on the nose, one in each eye, one in the mouth, and once somewhere else; I forget now, but it hurt so I think it must ha' been on the nose." "I'm afraid so, 'Jack,'" said the Skipper penitently.
"But I forgive you.