[Page 19a]
'My lord,' said Jack, 'even an admiral cannot overrule
a medical man -- it is in the Articles of War -- and even if
he could he would have no success with Maturin. You may
turn a bear from his vomit, but I do solemnly affirm that
the First Lord of the Admiralty could not turn Maturin from his
set course, perverse though it may be. But here is my reefer
and the barge is alongside: I thank you very heartily indeed
for your hospitality, and I shall most willingly carry your
nephew to the Cape. Good day to you, my lord. Come, Stephen.'
An admiral's barge, though spacious, is still a public place
and they said little as they returned to the ship.
{Note from Patrick O'Brian: No. I shall have to rearrange these pages on the typewriter}