Narrator Volunteers to Stay, Exchanges Keepsakes with Morgan, Is Appointed to the Lizard Sloop
Narrator Volunteers to Stay, Exchanges Keepsakes with Morgan, Is Appointed to the Lizard Sloop
Reflecting on his miserable circumstances in England without friends to promote his advancement, and considering the present scarcity of surgeons in the unhealthy West Indies climate, the narrator resolves that success will be more certain by staying. He voluntarily submits to the admiral’s pleasure rather than risk losing to chance. His resignation is commended, and that afternoon he receives a warrant as surgeon`s mate of the Lizard sloop-of-war, placing him on equal footing with every first mate in the service. He exchanges sleeve buttons with Morgan as remembrances, takes leave of the sergeant and honest Jack Rattlin, and boards his new vessel.
Narrator Reconnects with Former Acquaintance as the Lizard’s Surgeon
Narrator Reconnects with Former Acquaintance as the Lizard’s Surgeon
On the Lizard, the narrator discovers the surgeon is one of the young fellows with whom he had been confined during their frolic with Jackson. The surgeon receives him with great courtesy and, upon being reminded of their former acquaintance, expresses great joy at the reunion. He assigns the narrator to an excellent mess composed of the gunner and master’s mate. This connection provides the narrator with friendly company aboard his new vessel, establishing a foundation of support among the officers.
Narrator Sells His Ticket Ashore and Returns to Find Crampley Is Lieutenant
Narrator Sells His Ticket Ashore and Returns to Find Crampley Is Lieutenant
With no sick patients aboard and having obtained leave, the narrator goes ashore with the gunner, who directs him to a Jew who purchases his ticket at a forty percent discount. Having acquired necessary supplies, the narrator returns to find his old antagonist Crampley walking upon deck. Through connections about the admiral, Crampley has procured a commission as lieutenant aboard the Lizard. This unexpected encounter presents the narrator with a hostile superior officer whose enmity has already manifested on two occasions since Crampley’s advancement.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.