heard the cook's mate say as how
they were getting rather low."

"Getting rather low! then there must have been great waste," exclaimed
Mr C, who was very careful of his expenses.

"I don't know how far it may be so; but I think it might be as well to
know how matters stand; and if so be there's plenty, why I can tell
Captain Delmar when I go on shore to-morrow."

"I'll see; I'll go down myself to-night," replied Mr Culpepper. "The
midshipmen are allowed a stove to themselves--very unusual--and they are
cooking all day."

"Talking about midshipmen, sir," replied Cross, "you may think it's very
odd but as I stand here--and you know, Mr Culpepper, I am not easily
scared--I saw that young Tommy Dott, or his ghost, this very evening."

It was now quite dark; and Mr Culpepper stared at the coxswain, and
then replied, "Pooh, nonsense!"

"It's no nonsense, I do assure you. I saw him with these eyes, sure as
I stand here."

"Where?" exclaimed Mr C.

"Right forward, sir. I only mention it to you, but don't say a word
about it, for I should only be laughed at; but I do assure you that I
would kiss the Bible to it, if it was required. I never did before
believe in anything of that sort, that's sartain; but it's no use
talking about it, sir. I think I had better get a lantern, and get over
this coal business at once."

"Yes, yes," replied Mr Culpepper; "but you won't know how much coals
there are: I must go myself and see."

Bob Cross was soon ready with the lantern, and went forward with Mr
Culpepper. The hammocks had been piped down, and they were obliged to
bend double under them to get along the lower deck. I followed
unperceived.

The descent into the coal-hole was by battens, and not very easy for an
old man like Mr C But Cross went down first, holding the light for the
purser to follow, which he did very slowly, and with great caution. As
soon as they both stood on the coals below, the purser took the light to
make his survey.

"Why, there's plenty of coals for three months, coxswain," said he. "I
thought there was; you see they are nearly up to the beams abaft."

"Look! sir--look!" exclaimed Cross, starting back; "what's that?"

"Where?" exclaimed Mr C, alarmed.

"There, sir--there he is: I told you so."

The purser's eyes were directed to where Bob pointed, and then he beheld
Tommy Dott standing immovable, with his arms extended, as if denouncing
him--his eyes staring, and his mouth wide open.