Be careful that you do n't abuse it or let it make a tyrant of you . ' ` Right you are , ma'am . I 've seen plenty of that , and have got my bearings pretty well , I guess . I sha n't have very wide swing with Peters over me , but I 'll see that the boys do n't get abused when he 's bowsed up his jib . No right to speak before , but now I wo n't stand it . ' ` That sounds mysteriously awful ; could I ask what nautical torture `` bowsing jibs '' is ? ' asked Mrs Jo , in a tone of deep interest . ` Getting drunk . Peters can hold more grog than any man I ever saw ; he keeps right side up , but is as savage as a norther , and makes things lively all round . I 've seen him knock a fellow down with a belaying pin , and could n't lend a hand . Better luck now , I hope . ' And Emil frowned as if he already trod the quarter-deck , lord of all he surveyed . ` Do n't get into trouble , for even Uncle Herman 's favour wo n't cover insubordination , you know . You have proved yourself a good sailor ; now be a good officer , which is a harder thing , I fancy . It takes a fine character to rule justly and kindly ; you will have to put by your boyish ways and remember your dignity . That will be excellent training for you , Emil , and sober you down a bit . No more skylarking except here , so mind your ways , and do honour to your buttons , ' said Mrs Jo , tapping one of the very bright brass ones that ornamented the new suit Emil was so proud of . ` I 'll do my best . I know my time for skirmshander -LRB- chaff -RRB- is over , and I must steer a straighter course ; but do n't you fear , Jack ashore is a very different craft from what he is with blue water under his keel . I had a long talk with Uncle last night and got my orders ; I wo n't forget 'em nor all I owe him .
As for you , I 'll name my first ship as I say , and have your bust for the figurehead , XXXXX if I do n't , ' and Emil gave his aunt a hearty kiss to seal the vow , which proceeding much amused Nat , playing softly in the porch of the Dovecote .
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