was for leaving the coal-hole immediately, but I pointed out to
him that the captain had not been on board that a and that it was
necessary that the captain should believe that he had fallen overboard
as well as the officers, or his compassion would not be roused. Tommy
saw the propriety of this, and consented to remain another day. I then
told him what Mr Culpepper had said, and I added, "Now, Tommy, if Mr
Culpepper should see you by any chance, pretend to be your ghost."

"That I will," replied Tommy, "if I get six dozen for it." I then left
him.

On my return on deck, I saw Bob Cross; he was on shore during the major
portion of the day, attending upon the captain, and as I was no longer
in the captain's gig, I saw but little of him.

"Well, Mr Keene," said he, "I think you have quite recovered your
colour by this time, and I hope to see you in the gig again."

"I do not think I shall yet awhile--I have not yet learnt navigation
enough; but the master says he will be done with me in a fortnight, if I
go on as well as I do now."

"Yes; I heard him tell the captain that you were very quick, and would
be a good navigator but I can't get over the loss of poor Tommy Dott; he
was a little scampish, that's sartin, but still he was a merry,
kind-hearted boy--too good for the sharks, at all events. You must feel
his loss, Mr Keene, for you were always together."

"No, I don't, Bob," replied I.

"Well, I'm sorry to hear you say that, Mr Keene; I thought you had a
kinder heart."

"So I have, Bob; but I'll tell you a secret, known only to the first
lieutenant and me; and that is, Tommy's in the coal-hole, very dirty,
but quite safe."

Bob Cross burst into a fit of laughing, which lasted some time.

"Well, Mr Keene, you have really taken a weight off my mind; now tell
me all about it. You know I'm safe."

I then told Bob what had happened, and of Tommy's intention to make his
appearance on the following evening or the next morning.

"Well," said Bob, "you're mischief itself, Master Keene, and that's a
fact; however, it's all right this time, and you have the captain and
first lieutenant as your confidants and partners in the joke. You did
perfectly right and I'm sure the captain and first lieutenant must be
pleased with you; but recollect, Master Keene, keep your distance as
before; don't presume."

"Never fear, Bob," replied I: "but now I have told you that, I want you
to assist me." I then repeated the con