versation of Mr Culpepper with
the second lieutenant.

"Now," continued I; "you see, Cross, I can't do anything myself; Mr
Culpepper hates me, and would suspect me; but if we could only frighten
him: you might, for he would not think you were playing him a trick."

"I see," replied Bob; "it will be a good thing for Tommy Dott, and a
nice wind-up of this affair. Let me alone. When I come on board
to-morrow evening I'll manage it if I can."

After a little more conversation, we separated for the night.

The next morning the captain came on board. He remained on deck with
the first lieutenant for some minutes, during which of course, he was
made acquainted with Tommy Dott's position. When he came down into the
cabin, I moved from my seat, as respectful and serious as before; and
when ordered to sit down again, resumed my studies with great apparent
diligence. He did not say a word to me about Tommy Dott; and as he was
going out of the cabin, Mr Culpepper was announced by the sentry.

"If you please, Captain Delmar," said Mr Culpepper, with his usual
profound bow, "what are we to do with the effects of Mr Dott, who has
fallen overboard? By the regulations of the service, they should be
sold before the mast. And I also wish to know whether he is to be
continued to be victualled, or whether it is your pleasure that he is
discharged as dead?"

The captain smiled, and turned his face towards me; but I continued with
my eyes down on my book.

"Perhaps we had better wait till to-morrow, Mr Culpepper," replied the
captain, "and then you may sell his effects, and put DD to his name,
poor fellow." And having made this reply, the captain went out of his
cabin. Mr Culpepper followed; and shortly afterwards the captain went
on shore again.

Before dusk, the captain's gig, as usual, returned on board, and I was
at the gangway to meet Bob Cross; the boat was hoisted up, and then Bob
came to me.

"I must first go down and see Mr Dott, that I may be able to swear to
the fact." Bob did so, and then returned on deck. Mr Culpepper was
abaft, walking by himself, when Bob went up and accosted him.

"If you please, sir," said Bob, touching his hat, "did the captain say
anything to you about coals, for I expect we shall not stay here much
longer?"

"No," replied Mr Culpepper.

"Then he must have forgot it, I suppose sir."

"Well, there's plenty of coals," replied Mr Culpepper.

"Well, sir, I don't know; but I think I