Mr Simple, have the goodness to point out the person or persons who gave you the information." But I thought this would not be fair; and as they had all treated me very kindly after the duel, I resolved not to tell; so I answered, "If you please, sir, I consider that I told you all that in confidence." "Confidence, sir!" replied the captain; "who ever heard of confidence between a post-captain and a midshipman ?" "No, sir," replied I, "not between a post-captain and a midshipman, but between two gentlemen." The first lieutenant, who stood by the captain, put his hand before his face to hide a laugh.

"He may be a fool, sir," observed he to the captain, aside; "but I can assure you he is a very straight, forward one." The captain bit his lip, and then turning to the midshipmen, said, "You may thank Mr Simple, gentlemen, that I do not press this matter further.
I do believe that you were not serious when you calumniated me; but recollect, that what is said in joke is too often repeated in earnest.

I trust that Mr Simple's conduct will have its effect, and that you leave off practising upon him, who has saved you from a very severe punishment." When the midshipmen went down below, they all shook hands with me, and said that I was a good fellow for not peaching; but, as for the advice of the captain that they should not practise upon me, as he termed it, they forgot that, for they commenced again immediately, and never left off until they found that I was not to be deceived any longer.
I had not been ten minutes in the berth, before they began their remarks upon me.

One said that I looked like a hardy fellow, and asked me whether I could not bear a great deal of sleep.
I replied that I could, I dare say, if it was necessary for the good of the service; at which they laughed, and I supposed that I had said a good thing.
"Why here's Tomkins," said the midshipman; "he'll show you how to perform that part of your duty.

He inherits it from his father, who was a marine officer.