Then during the pause it was evident that something was being mixed up,
and I could hear C---- say: "Here, take this, and come again in the
evening." (Exit patient.)
Then C---- said to himself: "I don't think he'll come again; he has got
two drops of the croton. Skulking rascal, pains all over him, eh?"
"I never heard the voice of that patient again," said Captain Hobart;
"in fact, after a short time we had no cases of sickness on board."
C---- explained that what he served out, as he called it, was croton
oil; and that none of the crew came twice for treatment.
The ship's discipline was generally well maintained at sea, but
instances of insubordination in port were of almost daily occurrence.
These were dealt with usually by the first mate, or, as he was
designated, the chief officer. But some of the incorrigibles were
brought before the commander for treatment and something like this
colloquy, which I take partly from _Punch_, would ensue: