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Updated: June 24, 2025
"Fortunately there was a Ball at Government House that evening; this accounted for his being in full dress. His absence was noticed by many, and later in the evening the startling intelligence was announced that Captain Esdale, had destroyed himself by blowing out his brains while laboring under a fit of temporary insanity.
By the by, though, I believe there was some quarrel between Middlemas, poor fellow, and you; yet I am sure that you will be glad to hear there is a chance of his affair being made up." "Indeed!" was again the only word which Hartley could utter. "Ay, indeed," answered Esdale.
I discovered the preparations going forward, but was charged not to let Horner, or Esdale, or Jim know anything about them. I was more favoured than the rest of my messmates by the men, who seemed to have taken a liking to me; whether it was because they had heard how I had assisted to save the Good Intent, or thought that I was ill-treated by the captain, I do not know, but so it was.
Had the wind been light, I might, perhaps, have been able to put a letter on board, even although the captain would not have let me go. Esdale tried to comfort me, and advised me to have one written ready to send should another opportunity occur. The first land we made soon after this was Madeira.
"Well, you have the advantage of me, for this is my first voyage; and Esdale didn't know the stem from the stern when he first came on board. Now come along to the half-deck; he and I are going to dinner; I suppose you'll join us?" Jim and I were beginning to feel hungry, and willingly accepted Horner's invitation.
The doctor at last insisted on his remaining below, although Esdale declared that he would rather be on deck and try to do his best. "But I insist on your remaining in your bunk until we round Cape Horn and reach a warmer latitude," said Dr Cockle. "I will see the captain, and tell him plainly that he will be answerable for your death, should he insist on your doing duty any longer."
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