Why I like epaulettes

[Kilted Cole]

Dr Maturin, upon seeing Lieutenant Jack Aubrey in his new uniform: "Jack, you appear to be missing one of your pretty epaulettes."

Jack: "I intend to attend to that, in time."

The joke is that Lieutenants wore a single epaulette, Captains two, of which the civilian Dr Maturin was not aware. Jack also reveals an ambition for promotion.

(Paraphrased, as I don't have the book in front of me.)

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

[Downunder Kilt]

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

Here is the wiki entry re Jack Aubrey, that should explain the situation. Cheers

[OC Richard]

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

Master and Commander, by Patrick O Brian.

Here is the actual quote

Dr Maturin:

"I beg your pardon. You were speaking of wetting a swab."

Jack Aubrey:

"Oh, yes. It is a cant expression we have in the Navy. The swab is this" -patting his epaulette- "and when first we ship it, we wet it: that is to say, we drink a bottle or two of wine."

"Indeed?" said Maturin with a civil inclination of his head. "A decoration, a badge of rank, I make no doubt? A most elegant ornament, so it is, upon my soul. But, my dear sir, have you not forgot the other one?"

"Well," said Jack, laughing, "I dare say I shall put them both on, by and by."