etter able to stand up
against them," said Tom.

I heard no more; for after taking the food a drowsiness crept over me,
and I fell into a sound sleep. When I awoke I was in the dark, and felt
very much more comfortable than I had for a long time. At first I
fancied that I was down in the hold, but the loud snoring and groaning
of the men in the neighbouring bunks made me remember what had happened.
I felt about, and was soon convinced that I was in Tom Trivett's bunk,
in a clean shirt and trousers, and a blanket over me. I heard the watch
below turn out, the others shortly afterwards came in, but no one took
any notice of me.

When the latter were fast asleep I heard some one come into the berth
and stop near my bunk.

"Who's that?" I asked.

"Glad to see you can speak again, my lad," said the person whom by his
voice I knew to be Tom Trivett. "Do you feel better?"

"Yes, thank you," I answered. "You've saved my life, and I'm very
grateful to you."

"Don't talk o' that, lad," he said, "it's not much good I can do in the
world, but I couldn't bear to see you allowed to die from neglect,
though I'm afraid there are hard times coming for you. You're among as
rough a lot as ever sailed on the salt ocean, and that's saying a good
deal. I want to give you a piece of advice; I mayn't have another
chance of giving it. Don't be in a great hurry to get well, for though
the fellows, bad as they are, won't have the cruelty to ill-treat you
while you're sick, as soon as you come round they'll be down upon you,
and you'll find that they'll give you more kicks than ha'pence.
However, you must not mind them. Don't attempt to retaliate, for
they're too many for you. Above all things don't grow sulky as poor
Mark did, and has ever since well-nigh had his life knocked out of him.
Now I must go on deck as it's my watch, but remember what I have said."

I again thanked Tom, and just as he was going I asked him if he could
get me any more food.

"I'll try and get you something as soon as the cook turns out; but he's
asleep in his bunk, and at this hour it would be a difficult job to find
any. I'll tell Mark, however, to ask him when he wakes, though I'd
advise you to go off to sleep again."

Saying this, Tom left the berth, and I once more closed my eyes. I was
awakened by the men turning out.

The light streamed in at the door, showing me that it was morning. In
consequence of the advice I received from Tom, I kep