He was muttering to himself, and Farragut heard him say:
"To-night! All are sleeping. Then for merry England."
Farragut slipped out of his hammock and crept cautiously to the captain's cabin.
Porter had dined well, and had drunk pretty deeply with his officers and guest.
It was the custom in those days, and no one was considered a gentleman unless he could drink his two or three bottles of wine.
Farragut shook the captain.
"Hello! what is it?"
"Hush! on your life, hush!"
"What is it? David, what is the matter?"