- description
- # CHAPTER XLIV. A KNAVE IN OFFICE IN A MAN-OF-WAR.
## Overview
This chapter, titled "CHAPTER XLIV. A KNAVE IN OFFICE IN A MAN-OF-WAR.", is part of the novel [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ). It was extracted from the file [white_jacket.txt](arke:01KG89J19NC56FFGBCM2SWEZZY) and is part of the larger collection [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW). The chapter details a smuggling operation within a man-of-war, focusing on the corruption of an official.
## Context
This chapter follows [CHAPTER XLIII. SMUGGLING IN A MAN-OF-WAR.](arke:01KG8AJS3273YPPET2Q8S3ZWFQ) and precedes [CHAPTER XLV. PUBLISHING POETRY IN A MAN-OF-WAR.](arke:01KG8AJS2XD4DS45M4K6MX7NN7). The narrative unfolds during the ship's stay in Rio.
## Contents
The chapter begins with the Captain's frustration over the persistent smuggling of spirits onto the ship, despite strict regulations and the efforts of the master-at-arms, Bland. Suspicion falls on Bland himself when a mysterious box addressed to the Purser is intercepted. Upon inspection, the box is found to contain twenty-five jugs of brandy. Further investigation reveals that Bland, the master-at-arms, is the mastermind behind the smuggling operation, using a marine named Scriggs as his operative. The chapter details the methods of smuggling, the exorbitant prices charged to sailors, and the eventual discovery of the scheme. Bland, despite his villainy, is portrayed as a cunning and gentlemanly scoundrel. The narrative concludes with Bland's temporary disgrace, followed by his reinstatement due to the Captain's personal gratitude for gifts received from him. The chapter highlights the pervasive corruption within the naval hierarchy and the complex moral landscape of life aboard a man-of-war.
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- CHAPTER XLIV. A KNAVE IN OFFICE IN A MAN-OF-WAR.
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- CHAPTER XLIV. A KNAVE IN OFFICE IN A MAN-OF-WAR.