He asked me how I had employed my time since I had been at Portsmouth, and I made an acknowledgment of having been made tipsy, related all that the midshipmen had told me, and how I had that morning fought a duel.
He listened to my whole story very attentively, and I thought that occasionally there was a smile upon his face, although he bit his lips to prevent it.

When I had finished, he said, "Mr Simple, I can no longer trust you on shore until you are more experienced in the world.

I shall desire my coxswain not to lose sight of you until you are safe on board of the frigate.

When you have sailed a few months with me, you will then be able to decide whether I deserve the character which the young gentlemen have painted, with, I must say, I believe, the sole intention of practising upon your inexperience." Altogether I did not feel sorry when it was over.

I saw that the captain believed what I had stated, and that he was disposed to be kind to me, although he thought me very silly.