“Then you must expend two more. Mrs C— has just sent me off a list of a few things that she wishes made, while we are at anchor, and I see two poles for clothes-lines. Saw off the sheave-holes, and put two pegs through at right angles—you know how I mean.”
“Yes, sir. What am I to do, sir, about the cucumber frame? My Lady Capperbar says that she must have it, and I haven’t glass enough—they grumbled at the yard last time.”
“Mrs C— must wait a little. What are the armourers’ about?”
“They have been so busy with your work, sir, that the arms are in a very bad condition. The first-lieutenant said yesterday that they were a disgrace to the ship.”
“Who dared say that?”
“The first-lieutenant, sir.”
“Well, then, let them rub up the arms, and let me know when they are done, and we’ll get the forge up.”
“The armourer has made six rakes, and six hoes, and the two little hoes for the children; but he says he can’t make a spade.”
“Then I’ll take his warrant away, by Heaven! since he does not know his duty. That will do, Mr Cheeks. I shall overlook your being in liquor, this time; but take care—send the boatswain to me.”
“Yes sir,” and the carpenter quitted the cabin.