One would imagine he had marked out the commodore as a proper object
of ridicule, for almost all his little childish satire was leveled
against him. I will not deny that he might have been influenced
in this particular by the example and instruction of Mr. Hatchway,
who delighted in superintending the first essays of his genius. As
the gout had taken up its residence in Mr. Trunnion's great toe,
from whence it never removed, no not for a day, little Perry took
great pleasure in treading by accident on this infirm member;
and when his uncle, incensed by the pain, used to damn him for a
hell-begotten brat, he would appease him in a twinkling, by returning
the curse with equal emphasis, and asking what was the matter with
old Hannibal Tough? an appellation by which the lieutenant had
taught him to distinguish this grim commander.
Neither was this the only experiment he tried upon the patience of
the commodore, with whose nose he used to take indecent freedoms,
even. while he was fondled on his knee. In one month he put him to
the expense of two guineas in seal-skin; by picking his pocket of
divers tobacco-pouches, all of which he in secret committed to the
flames.
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