"It was very unfortunate my not being able to obtain that French steward, was it not?" he observed to one of his officers. "I made up my mind to ship the fellow when the admiral bagged him."
"He lost a good situation, and no doubt he has since regretted it," replied the officer with respectful sarcasm.
Master William had never much fear of Puffeigh, but when he became his servant the little he had quickly vanished, and he talked to his captain in the most confidential and cheeky manner, as the following conversation will sufficiently show:
"What did you do with those chops left by me at dinner yesterday?"
"Chops?"
"Yes, two large fat chops; surely you did not eat them for your dinner?"
"I never seed you leave no chops, sir."
"You did not see two chops left yesterday?"
"No, sir, there was no chops left that I seed; you must ha' eat 'em and forgot it."
"Well, you little thief, you stole them. I'll flog you if you don't confess."