keep me company."

"When the pains return he shall have more of it, depend on that," said
Macquoid, scarcely able to dress my wound for laughing. "He has tasted
it already. You shall have his allowance to-morrow if you are not
better."

Spellman having betrayed himself, had not only to drink the mixture
which was made as nasty as could be, though probably perfectly harmless,
but to get up and be ready to make himself useful if required. My neck
was rather stiff, but the pain was so slight that I felt almost able to
return to my duty. I was glad to get about the decks, because I wanted
to find out if Toby's information had been believed. I saw nothing to
indicate that anyone apprehended an outbreak of the prisoners. The
officers walked the deck as usual, singly or in couples, with a look of
perfect unconcern, and the marines were scattered about, employed in
their ordinary occupations. A Frenchman, who was, I guessed, the French
captain, was pacing the quarter-deck with Captain Collyer, and his
countenance looked very sad and troubled; but that arose, I concluded,
because he had lost his ship and was a prisoner Mr Bryan and some of
the other gun officers spoke to me very kindly, and congratulated me on
being about again. At length Macquoid sent me below, suggesting that it
might be wiser to take a little more of the elixir before I went to
sleep, but I declined the favour, assuring him that the very thought of
it restored me to unwonted strength. He laughed, and wished me good
night, advising me to make the most of my time, as I should soon have to
keep watch again. "Such wide awake fellows as you are cannot be
spared," he observed. I was soon asleep. I awoke with a start. All
was dark. I heard seven bells strike; I knew it must be towards the end
of the first watch. The voice of an officer hailing the look-out
sounded peculiarly distinct, and served to show the quiet which reigned
on board. The sea was smooth, we were carrying a press of sail, and I
could hear the rush of the ship through the water. Suddenly the silence
was broken by the heavy tramp of men along the deck, while loud shouts
and shrieks seemed to burst from every point. The drum beat to
quarters, and I heard the voices of officers in loud distinct tones
perfectly free from agitation issuing orders.

"What is the matter?" I exclaimed, starting up.

"What can be the matter," exclaimed Spellman, "Are we all going to be
murdered?"

"