ail of a small sloop from
Madeira, which picked up one of the crew (the only person saved), and
which rode out the gale in perfect security, as indeed a jolly boat
might have done under proper management.

The stowage on board the Grampus was most clumsily done, if stowage
that could be called which was little better than a promiscuous huddling
together of oil-casks {*1} and ship furniture. I have already spoken of
the condition of articles in the hold. On the orlop deck there was space
enough for my body (as I have stated) between the oil-casks and the
upper deck; a space was left open around the main hatchway; and several
other large spaces were left in the stowage. Near the hole cut through
the bulkhead by Augustus there was room enough for an entire cask, and
in this space I found myself comfortably situated for the present.

By the time my friend had got safely into the berth, and readjusted
his handcuffs and the rope, it was broad daylight. We had made a narrow
escape indeed; for scarcely had he arranged all matters, when the mate
came below, with Dirk Peters and the cook. They talked for some time
about the vessel from the Cape Verds, and seemed to be excessively
anxious for her appearance. At length the cook came to the berth in
which Augustus was lying, and seated himself in it near the head. I
could see and hear every thing from my hiding-place, for the piece cut
out had not been put back, and I was in momentary expectation that the
negro would fall against the pea-jacket, which was hung up to conceal
the aperture, in which case all would have been discovered, and our
lives would, no doubt, have been instantly sacrificed. Our good fortune
prevailed, however; and although he frequently touched it as the vessel
rolled, he never pressed against it sufficiently to bring about a
discovery. The bottom of the jacket had been carefully fastened to the
bulkhead, so that the hole might not be seen by its swinging to one
side. All this time Tiger was lying in the foot of the berth, and
appeared to have recovered in some measure his faculties, for I could
see him occasionally open his eyes and draw a long breath.

After a few minutes the mate and cook went above, leaving Dirk Peters
behind, who, as soon as they were gone, came and sat himself down in
the place just occupied by the mate. He began to talk very sociably with
Augustus, and we could now see that the greater part of his apparent
intoxication, while the two ot