‘The provisions served out to the convicts are infernally bad,’ said Captain Barrett.
‘“They are not good, but they may be eaten,” as Charles XII. said to the soldier who showed him some mouldy pieces of bread,’ exclaimed the doctor.
‘At such a table as this,’ said Lieutenant Chimmo, ‘a man can take a philosophic view of the tastes and appetites of people who are ill-fed.’
‘Convicts are as well fed as sailors,’ said Captain Sutherland.
‘I’d rather be a convict than a sailor,’ said Captain Barrett.
‘One’s t’other more often than not,’ observed Lieutenant Chimmo. ‘’Stonishing what a lot of rascals sail afore the mast!’
‘Take care that whisper don’t get forward of the main-hatch sentry,’ said the captain, with a glance at the steward. ‘Jack’s got a sensitive side to his nature.’
‘Doctor, what’s to be the routine when decent weather sets in?’ inquired Captain Barrett.
‘Schools, Bible classes, and frequent prayer-meetings, sir,’ answered the doctor.
‘Don’t educate them,’ said Lieutenant Chimmo. ‘They’re very bad now; education’ll make them worse.’