On the fisheries the captain had met with an accident, and was granted six weeks' leave at Bermuda. It being noised abroad that both he and his lady were coming on board at Christmas to inspect the decorations, special interest therefore was taken in the same, and the decorators excelled themselves in their art, far beyond the limit of the previous year's display. No pains were spared, no time begrudged to make everything as beauteous as possible. I have a secret notion that although the captain had not been on board for several weeks, being an invalid ashore, that such lovely decorations were not altogether a manifestation of sympathy on the part of the crew toward him, but rather the motive power, or the cause, of which the decorations were the effect, lay in the fact that his lady was accompanying him. That explains it. A word to the wise is sufficient.
The idlers' mess (all tradesmen in the navy are termed idlers with the exception of carpenters) made an artificial fountain. It was surrounded with huge stones and dripping moss, and several spouts were in full play. It was most certainly a work of skill.
All hands were on the watch for the approach of the steam launch bearing the two distinguished visitors. Presently she hove in sight, and also another from the 'Bellerophon' bringing the Admiral of the Fleet. In a short time the three were inspecting the lower deck. In each mess stood the cook, holding on a plate a piece of plum pudding for them to taste. As they entered each compartment pop-guns were fired as a salute.
Over one mess were inscribed these words:—
"Sir Baldwin's proved a noble man
Around the coast of Newfoundland,
And we hope the Queen will make him K.C.B."
When the inspection was over the boatswain's mate piped—"Clear lower deck: hands cheer Captain and his lady," and ere the two had reached the upper deck, the drum and fife band played
"For he's a jolly good fellow."
Three cheers for the captain and his lady were heartily shouted by the crew. So overcome by these expressions of loyalty was the captain that he gave orders to the master-at-arms to inform the ship's company that words failed him to give an adequate reply.
The Second West Indian Cruise
On the 4th of the next month we departed for our second West Indian cruise with the fleet. I may here remark that we had three men on board who bore the names of Shrodnisky, Taglabeau, and Dobrisky, their nationality being Russian, French, and Dutch respectively. The former had the honour of being the ship's organist, but for some reason now resigned. The chaplain understanding I could play, sent for me, and asked if I would accept the post of organist and commence the duty on the following Sunday. I was very glad and thankful of such an opportunity presented to me, and replied in the affirmative, not entirely because it meant fivepence a day extra to my service pay, though of course this was a consideration, but mainly for the reason that it would afford me privileges for musical culture.