Page:Narrative of an Official Visit to Guatemala.djvu/456

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436
OFFICIAL VISIT
[CH. XXXII.

always on the sick list, although we had no doctor, had become mutinous, and the captain had requested me to get the matter settled by Pat's interference. Pat did the business like a statesman, for he carried the point of union; and at the same time relieved the weaker party from all penalties and disabilities, which, considering the unsatisfactory state of our physical resources, was so desirable, not to say necessary, for our preservation.

We had frequently, afterwards, occasions, when all hands were mustered, to perceive that the efforts of this individual were very useful; whilst it was remarked to his credit, that he never after shewed the least symptoms of disobedience.

In honour of our bloodless victory, the crew were regaled with some strong grog, which Pat was distributing from the bench behind the tiller, by the captain's special leave; for the sails were all full, and it was all plain sailing: the vessel was steered in the interim, by his protegé, the