DANCING. 199 



the place of some skipper, who, for 

 aught I knew, might be raging on the 

 beach for his boat and crew. 



Not a question was breathed during 

 this short transit ; and before ascending 

 the ship's side, I silently rewarded the 

 men's prompt obedience with a seven- 

 shilling piece. 



My friend received me at the port- 

 hole of the main deck ; and, ascending 

 to the quarter, where he introduced me to 

 his brother officers, I found it hung round 

 with flags and different devices, and 

 canopied by a superb awning; the bulk- 

 heads of the captain's cabin had been 

 removed to give ample length for the 

 Centre dance quadrilles and waltzes not 

 having yet been imported from the Con- 

 tinent. 



The band of the Royal Marines at- 

 tended ; and after refreshments were 

 handed round, dancing commenced. The 

 deck was crowded with gallant officers, 



