ass, and
the winch, they contrived to hoist in and stow the life-boat that had
stood me in such good stead for nearly a fortnight. That done, all
hands held another somewhat lengthy and animated pow-wow on the
forecastle-head, at the conclusion of which the man who had given me
permission to come aboard came aft and, pointing to the life-boat,
remarked to me:

"I reckon we've made a very good job of that, mister, and I'm sure we're
all very much obliged to ye for the idee. She's worth a dozen of the
long-boat and quite worth all the trouble we've took to put her where
she is." Then, without waiting for any response, he stepped aft, peered
through the skylight, and, stepping to where the ship's bell hung, he
struck eight bells (four o'clock). Rejoining me as I stood watching the
long-boat, that had been cast adrift, he remarked, with a clumsy effort
at civility:

"Tea'll be coming along aft in about five minutes, and I reckon you'll
be glad of a cup. I s'pose you haven't been gettin' much hot food while
you've been moochin' about in that boat, have ye?"

"I have not," I replied. "It was impossible to do cooking of any kind,
as of course you will readily understand."

"Ah, well, ye'll be able to make up for it now," was the rejoinder, "for
here comes the steward, teapot and all. Step down below into the cabin,
and make yourself at home."

"Many thanks," said I. "By the way, are you the master of this vessel?
And I gather from your ensign being hoisted union-down that you are in
distress. What is wrong with you?"

CHAPTER THREE.

AN AMAZING STORY.

We were now passing down the companion ladder on our way to the cabin,
and as I finished speaking the man to whom I addressed my question, and
who had led the way below, motioned me to enter an open doorway at the
foot of the stairs.

Obeying the invitation, I found myself in a small, rather dark and
stuffy cabin, very plainly fitted up; the woodwork painted dark-oak
colour, the beams and underside of the deck planking overhead imparting
a little cheerfulness to the small interior by being painted white,
while the lockers were covered with cushions of much worn plush that had
once been crimson, but which, through age, wear, and dirt, had become
almost black. The place was lighted by a small skylight in the deck,
and two ports, or scuttles, on each side. At one end of the skylight
was screwed a clock, while to the other end was screwed a mercurial
baro