The crew, at Neptune's beck, on this gave three hearty cheers; and while the Tritons were chasing down some lads and two or three men, who had never before crossed the line, I made my escape towards a tub of clean water, and thence to my cabin, where I very soon removed all traces of the discipline I had gone through.  By the time the captain appeared the whole ceremony was at an end, and the men were employed in washing down decks, as if nothing had occurred.  It was the third mate's watch; and I found afterwards that Jerry, who was the chief instigator, had obtained his leave to have the ceremony take place.  The captain, I daresay, also knew all about it, but said nothing on the subject.  Once upon a time the crew of every ship crossing the line considered it their right to be allowed full licence to indulge in all sorts of wild pranks; but the custom got so much abused that many captains have put a stop to it altogether, while others only allow it among well-tried and trusty crews.  I was not sorry to have had the tricks played on me, because it contributed to gain me the good will of the people; and I now felt that, having crossed the line, I had a right to consider myself something of a sailor.