[The Two Admirals by J. Fenimore Cooper]@TWC D-Link book
The Two Admirals

CHAPTER VIII
12/24

If the servants'-hall is in the condition I suspect, it will as much need the aid of the parlour, as the parlour can possibly--" A tap at the door caused Bluewater to cease speaking; and as Wycherly threw open the entrance, Galleygo appeared on the threshold, by this time reduced to the necessity of holding on by the casings.
"Well, sir," said the rear-admiral, sternly, for he was no longer disposed to trifle with any of the crapulous set; "well, sir, what impertinence has brought you here ?" "No impertinence at all, your honour; we carries none of _that_, in the old Planter.

There being no young gentlemen, hereabouts, to report proceedings, I thought I'd just step in and do the duty with my own tongue.

We has so many reports in our cabin, that there isn't an officer in the fleet that can make 'em better, as myself, sir." "There are a hundred who would spend fewer words on any thing.

What is your business ?" "Why, sir, just to report one flag struck, and a commander-in-chief on his beam-ends." "Good God! Nothing has happened to Sir Gervaise--speak, fellow, or I'll have you sent out of this Babel, and off to the ship, though it were midnight." "It be pretty much that, Admiral Blue; or past six bells; as any one may see by the ship's clock on the great companion ladder; six bells, going well on to seven--" "Your business, sir! what has happened to Sir Gervaise ?" repeated Bluewater, shaking his long fore-finger menacingly, at the steward.
"We are as well, Admiral Blue, as the hour we came over the Planter's side.

Sir Jarvy will carry sail with the best on 'em, I'll answer for it, whether the ship floats in old Port Oporto, or in a brewer's vat.
Let Sir Jarvy alone for them tricks--he wasn't a young gentleman, for nothing." "Have a moment's patience, sir," put in Wycherly, "and I will go myself, and ascertain the truth." "I shall make but another inquiry," continued Admiral Bluewater, as Wycherly left the room.
"Why, d'ye see, your honour, old Sir Wycherly, who is commander-in-chief, along shore here, has capsized in consequence of carrying sail too hard, in company with younger craft; and they're now warping him into dock to be overhauled." "Is this all!--that was a result to be expected, in such a debauch.


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