“Well, Cross,” said the first lieutenant.
“I’ve brought a young gentleman on board to join the ship. Captain Delmar has, I believe, given his orders about him.”
“Mr Keene, I presume?” said the first lieutenant, eyeing me from head to foot.
“Yes, sir,” replied I, touching my hat.
“How long have you been at Portsmouth?”
“Three days, sir; I have been staying at Mr Culpepper’s.”
“Well, did you fall in love with Miss Culpepper?”
“No, sir,” replied I; “I hate her.”
At this answer the first lieutenant and the officers near him burst out a-laughing.
“Well, youngster, you must dine with us in the gun-room to-day; and where’s Mr Dott?”