Really, I must have looked very funny with my legs dangling in the air when run up at the end of the derrick! "Well, youngster, how did you like being strung up at the yard-arm ?" said Captain Miles, who had still a broad grin on his face.

"Not many fellows have been bowsed up in that fashion and cut down so speedily!" "No," observed dad.

"I'm glad, though, that mode of execution to which you refer is now altogether abolished in the service; but I'm afraid, captain, Tom does not understand your allusion." "Oh, yes, I do, dad," said I, fresh from the pages of Mr Midshipman Easy, and knowing all about the summary system of punishment in vogue in the old days on board ship.

"Captain Miles meant hanging." "So I did, youngster," replied that worthy cheerily; "but you seem none the worse for your experience of the operation." "I didn't like it, however, captain," said I, a little bit put on my dignity by being laughed at.

"The next time I come on board I intend to mount up the side-ladder the same as dad did." "That's right, my lad, so you shall," rejoined the jolly old fellow.
"But, come below now both of you and have some luncheon.