To this message Mr.
Trunnion replied, "Hark ye, brother, don't you see we make all
possible speed? go back, and tell those who sent you, that the
wind has shifted since we weighed anchor, and that we are obliged
to make very short trips in tacking, by reason of the narrowness
of the channel; and that as we be within six points of the wind,
they must make some allowance for variation and leeway."--"Lord,
sir!" said the valet, "what occasion have you to go zig-zag in
that manner? Do but clap spurs to your horses, and ride straight
forward, and I'll engage yea shall be at the church-porch in
less than a quarter of an hour."-"What? right in the wind's eye?"
answered the commodore; "ahey! brother, where did you learn your
navigation? Hawser Trunnion is not to be taught at this time of day
how to lie his course, or keep his own reckoning. And as for you,
brother, you best know the trim of your own frigate."
The courier, finding he had to do with people who would not be
easily persuaded out of their own opinions, returned to the temple,
and made a report of what he had seen and heard, to the no small
consolation of the bride, who had begun to discover some signs of
disquiet.
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