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Updated: May 8, 2025
Newton had been strongly recommended to him, and Captain Oughton extended his hand as to an old acquaintance, when they met on the quarterdeck. Before they had taken a dozen turns up and down, Captain Oughton inquired if Newton could handle the mauleys; and on being answered in the negative, volunteered his instruction during their passage out.
"Now, my lads," said Captain Oughton, "if I am not mistaken, that vessel is commanded by the very best seaman that ever left a French port, and to do him justice, he's a damnation fine fellow! a severe punisher, and can take a mauling as well as give one." "Yes, sir, so can we," replied several of the men together. "I know you can, my lads; and give and take is fair play.
I am afraid that I have not the pleasure of knowing your names, and must request the honour of being introduced." Lieutenant Winterbottom bowed. "I've had the pleasure of reading Lieutenant Winterbottom's name several times this forenoon," observed Captain Oughton, as he returned the salute. "You refer to my luggage, I'm afraid, Captain Oughton?"
The officers hastened below to wash and change their dress after this very annoying retaliation on the part of Captain Oughton. When they felt themselves again clean and comfortable, their good-humour returned, although they voted their captain not to be very refined in his ideas, and agreed with him that his practical joke beat "cock-fighting."
"You may say so now," replied Captain Oughton, bluntly, "and so have many more said the same thing to me; but you soldiers have cursed short memories in that way after you have landed." "I trust, Captain Oughton," replied Major Clavering, "that you will not have to make that accusation general."
"In about a fortnight, sir. I called upon Captain Oughton the day before yesterday, but he was not at home. His steward gave me the information." "What is the name of the ship?" "The Windsor Castle, sir." "Why, all the India ships appear to be called Castles. Your last ship was the Bombay Castle, I think?" "Yes, sir: there are a great many of them so named they really are floating castles."
Happy were the military officers to hear the order given for the anchor to be let go upon their arrival in Madras Roads; more happy were they to find themselves again on shore; and most happy were Captain Oughton and his officers to witness the debarkation of the troops, who had so long crowded their decks and impeded their motions.
Twig the drum-boy, he has turned his coat do you see, with the lining outwards to keep it clean. By Jove, that's a wrinkle!" "How many officers do you expect, Captain Oughton." "I hardly know, they make such alterations in their arrangements; five or six, I believe. The boat went on shore for them at nine o'clock.
"Now, major, we had better go into the cabin," said Captain Oughton, laughing. "I shall, I can assure you." Beds and blankets which are not aired or shook more than once a month, are apt to be very full of what is termed fluff and blanket hairs, and they have a close smell, by no means agreeable.
With most of the particulars, and with the death of Captain Oughton, she had already been made acquainted; and if there could be any reward to Newton for his gallantry and his prudence, more coveted than another, it was the affectionate greeting with which he was welcomed and congratulated by Isabel, her eyes beaming with tears of delight as they glanced from his face, and were shrouded on the deck.
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