CHAPTER n. 
WE RECEIVE A VISIT WHICH IS NOT INTENDED TO INQUIRE AFTER OUR HEALTH, 
AND MAKE THE ACQUAINTANCE OF “LIEUTENANT PAGET, R.N. AFTER 
WHICH THE PURSER AND MYSELF “ SMELL A RAT” AND FIRE AT A CATBIRD, 
TO THE INFINITE TERROR OF SOME HOTTENTOT WOMEN. 
We had scarcely let go our anchor when we were 
hoarded by one of the boats of the English frigate, the 
officer of which stepped over the side as if he had lately 
suffered from an attack of rheumatism, or pride of birth, 
it was hard to say which. He introduced himself as 
Lieutenant Paget, Royal Navy, and was immediately con- 
ducted down to the captain by the affable officer of the 
deck, with the intention of making him known. We 
found the captain and doctor engaged in some general 
conversation, and I was just preparing to introduce my 
friend with a proper amount of empressemenij when he an- 
ticipated me : — “ Lieutenant Paget, sir, of the Royal Navy. 
Happy to see you, sir. The admiral's compliments, — 
ahem ! ah ! — ” 
‘^Glad to see you on board, Lieutenant Paget. Permit 
me to present to you Dr. Hamilton,” replied the captain, 
with one of his easy smiles. 
Now, “Lieutenant Paget” must have thought that the 
captain took him for the port health-officer, or he must 
have been greatly wanting in politeness, — one of the two ; 
for, instead of shaldng hands with the man of pills, or 
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