in's boat came alongside without our being
aware of it, and the captain's voice speaking to the first lieutenant as
he was descending the after-ladder was the first intimation we received
of his being on board.

It was impossible for Tommy Dott to escape without being seen as he
climbed out. The table which was in the centre of the cabin was covered
with a blue cloth, large enough for the table when all the additional
leaves were put to it, and in its present reduced size the cloth fell
down to the deck; I pointed it out to Tommy, as the sentry's hand upon
the handle of the door announced the immediate entrance of the captain,
and he darted underneath the table, that he might escape detection
intending as soon as the captain went into the after-cabin to make his
retreat by the cabin-door or windows. The captain entered, and I rose,
as usual, from my chair.

"Mr Keene," said he, "I have occasion to speak to the first lieutenant
on important private business; oblige me by leaving the cabin till that
is done. You may as well tell Mr Hippesley that I wish to see him."

"Yes, sir," replied I making a bow, and leaving the cabin. I felt very
much alarmed lest Tommy should be discovered in his hiding-place; and
after the captain had stated that he had particular business with the
first lieutenant, it was my duty, knowing that Mr Dott was there, to
have said so. I hardly knew what to do, or how to act. After all, it
was no great crime as it stood. Tommy Dott had come into the cabin
without leave, and had concealed himself; but if I was to allow Tommy to
remain there and listen to important and particular business, evidently
of a secret nature, I should forfeit the good opinion and confidence of
the captain: nevertheless, I was very unwilling to betray him; I was
dreadfully puzzled, and when I went to the first lieutenant he perceived
my confusion.

"Why, what is the matter with you, Mr Keene?--you look quite
frightened," said he.

"Well, sir, I am," replied I; "and I think it my duty to tell you why I
am so."

I then informed him that Tommy Dott was under the cabin-table, and
would, of course, hear the secret communications of the captain.

"You have done very right, Mr Keene, and I know how unpleasant it is to
you to inform against your messmate; but at present there is no harm
done."

He then laughed, and said, "However, Mr Dott shall never know that you
have said anything about it, and I will frighten him out