"Oh, you be hanged!" retorted Jack recklessly.  "It's a precious sight better than this pestilential West Coast at all events, say what you will.  And as to work, that's all right; I don't care how hard you work me in reason, Dick.  I know that I've been an atrociously lazy beggar, always more ready to skylark than to do anything useful, but I'm going to turn over a new leaf now; I am, indeed--you needn't look incredulous; I've wasted time enough, and I intend now to buckle to and make myself useful.  And the commodore may `jacket' me as much as he pleases to- night--I know I deserve it--and I'll say nothing, but just promise to be a good boy in future.  He's a jolly, kind-hearted old chap, and I don't care who hears me say so!"