thing
as chance, much less a goddess. I am not going to discuss the subject,
only don't talk to me of chance."

The Frenchman again shrugged his shoulders, hoped that he had not given
offence, and walked away, humming a tune. He continued, however, as
polite and obliging as at first. He declared that we wanted a good
dinner after our labours, and insisted on cooking it. He outshone
himself, and with some shell-fish we had picked up, and two birds I had
shot, produced some wonderfully delicious dishes. The wind held fair,
but it was light, and it required us constantly to be on the look-out to
thread our way among the dangers which surrounded us. Our anxiety, too,
was very great for the fate of our consort. She was nowhere to be seen,
and our fears were increased that she had gone down when first struck by
the hurricane. We did not breathe freely till we were well out at sea,
clear of all reefs and shoals. Lieutenant Preville especially
complimented us on the seamanship we had displayed, and assured us that
it was a great satisfaction to him to have been our shipmate through so
trying an event. McAllister and I now agreed that if we did not fall in
with the Espoir it was undoubtedly our duty to return to Jamaica. We
accordingly cruised about for two days, and then shaped a course for
that island. The next night it was my middle watch on deck. It had
struck seven bells, and I was contemplating the satisfaction I should
feel in turning in and going to sleep, when I suddenly found the French
lieutenant walking by my side. This was against rule, as none of the
prisoners were allowed to come on deck at night without the permission
of the officer of the watch. He apologised, saying that he was
oppressed with the heat, and knew that I would allow him to come. In a
little time he professed to see a light ahead, and induced me to walk
forward to look at it. Just as I was abreast of the foremast I found my
arms seized, a gag thrust into my mouth, and a handkerchief bound over
my eyes, so that I could neither struggle, cry out, nor see what was
going forward. The horrible conviction came on me that the Frenchmen
were attempting to recapture the vessel. I hoped that McAllister might
be awake, as he was so soon to relieve me. The suspense, however, was
terrible. I found myself secured to the bulwarks, and left to my
cogitations. I augured the worst, because there was no cry; no shots
were fired. There I sat, i