There's your aunt sitting
whimpering by the fire; I desire you will keep her tight, warm,
and easy in her old age, she's an honest heart in her own way,
and, thof she goes a little crank and humoursome, by being often
overstowed with Nantz and religion, she has been a faithful shipmate
to me, and I daresay she never turned in with another man since
we first embarked in the same bottom. Jack Hatchway, you know the
trim of her as well as e'er a man in England, and I believe she has
a kindness for you; whereby, if you two will grapple in the way of
matrimony, when I am gone, I do suppose that my godson, for love
of me, will allow you to live in the garrison all the days of your
life."
Peregrine assured him, he would with pleasure comply with any request
he should make in behalf of two persons whom he esteemed so much.
The lieutenant, with a waggish sneer, which even the gravity of the
situation could not prevent, thanked them both for their good-will,
telling the commodore, he was obliged to him for his friendship, in
seeking to promote him to the command of a vessel which he himself
had worn out in the service; but that, notwithstanding, he should
be content to take charge of her, though he could not help being
shy of coming after such an able navigator.
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