' 'There is some
truth in your observation,' replied the captain, 'and I have pointed the
same out to the master; but still, this is a breach of discipline which
cannot be passed over, and requires a public retraction before the whole
ship's company. I therefore insist upon your retracting what you have
said.' 'Certainly, sir,' replied the youngster. 'Mr. Owen,' continued
he, turning to the master, 'I said that you were _not_ fit to carry guts
to a bear. I was in the wrong, and I retract with pleasure, for I am
perfectly satisfied that you _are fit_ to carry them.' 'Sir!' cried the
captain. 'Oh, Captain G----!' interrupted the master, who did not take
the joke, 'I'm perfectly satisfied. The young gentleman sees his error,
and has retracted; I ask no more.' 'If you are satisfied, sir,' replied
the captain, biting his lips, 'of course I have nothing more to say.
Youngster, you may go to your duty, and recollect that you never again
use such expressions to your superior officer,' and, said he in a low
tone, 'I may add, never venture in my presence to make such an apology
as that again.'"
I never saw old Anderson laugh so much as he did at this story of my
father's.
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