I fainted, and many hours passed by before I returned to
a state of half consciousness.

CHAPTER THREE.

ON THE RUSSIAN FRIGATE.

In three days I was quite well, and the doctor sending me a suit of
seaman's clothes, I dressed and found my way up on deck. I looked about
eagerly for Clem, but not seeing him, I became anxious to learn how he
was. I could make none of the men understand me. Most of them were
Finns--big broad-shouldered, ruddy, light haired, bearded fellows; very
good-natured and merry, notwithstanding the harsh treatment they often
received. Big as they were, they were knocked about like so many boys
by the petty officers, and I began to feel rather uncomfortable lest I
should come in for share of the same treatment, of which I had had
enough from the hands of old Growl. I determined, however, to grin and
bear it, and do, as well as I could, whatever I was told.

I soon found that I was not to be allowed to eat the bread of idleness,
for a burly officer, whom I took to be the boatswain, ordered me aloft
with several other boys, to hand the fore royal, a stiff breeze just
then coming on. Up I went; and though I had never been so high above
the deck before, that made but little difference, and I showed that I
could beat my companions in activity. When I came down the boatswain
nodded his approval. I kept looking out for Clem. At last I saw my
friend the doctor, with several other officers, on the quarter-deck. I
hurried aft to him, and, touching my cap, asked him how Clem was. The
others stared at me as if surprised at my audacity in thus venturing
among them. "The boy is doing well," he answered; "but, lad, I must
advise you not to infringe the rules of discipline. You were, I
understand, one of the ship's boys, and must remain for'ard. He is a
young gentleman, and such his dress and appearance prove him to be, will
be allowed to live with the midshipmen."

"I am very glad to hear that," I answered; "but I am a gentleman's son
also, and I should like to live with the midshipmen, that I may be with
Clem."

"Your companion has said something to the same effect," observed the
doctor; "but the captain remarks that there are many wild, idle boys
sent to sea who may claim to be the sons of gentlemen; and as your
appearance shows, as you acknowledge was the case, that you were before
the mast, there you must continue till your conduct proves that you are
deserving of a higher rank. And now