Very often, this had habit got him into very serious scrapes.
Twice was he put off duty by the Commodore; and once he came near being broken for his frolics.

So far as his efficiency as a sea-officer was concerned, on shore at least, Jack might _bouse away_ as much as he pleased; but afloat it will not do at all.
Now, if he only followed the wise example set by those ships of the desert, the camels; and while in port, drank for the thirst past, the thirst present, and the thirst to come--so that he might cross the ocean sober; Mad Jack would get along pretty well.

Still better, if he would but eschew brandy altogether; and only drink of the limpid white-wine of the rills and the brooks..