e
supports of the bunk, and succeeded in getting on my feet.

"I thought I'd cure you. Do you want another dose of this rope?"

"Oh! No, sir! No, sir! Don't! I'll dress as fast as I can," I called
out.

The moment I let go I felt that I must slip down again. Still the fear
of another lash made me exert myself in a way I could not otherwise have
done, and I tried very hard to put on my waistcoat and jacket, and to
tie my handkerchief, by sitting down on a lower bunk.

"Now, come along!" said the mate; "the captain wants to speak to you."

I attempted to walk, but as I tottered on my knees again failed me, and
I should have fallen had not the mate caught me by the shoulders and
dragged me along the deck.

It was a severe discipline, but it was effective, for the air and the
necessity of moving quickly brought back strength to my limbs, and by
the time I reached the quarterdeck I was able to keep my feet, though I
should have fallen had not the mate still held me.

We there found the captain pacing to and fro. On turning he stopped
when he saw me.

"Is this the young stowaway, Mr Huggins?" he asked, eyeing me very
sternly. "What business had you to come aboard, boy, without leave?"

"Please, sir, I couldn't help it," I said, and I told him that when
merely intending to look round the ship I had fallen into the hold.

"A likely story, youngster, which I don't intend to believe. You came
on board to please yourself, and now you'll learn to please me, and do
the work you're set to do."

"I'll do my best, sir," I answered, for I saw he was not a man to be
trifled with; "but I am not fit for much at present."

"You contrived to live down in the hold in an extraordinary manner--how
did you manage it?"

I told him in a few words.

"Another likely story," he remarked. "In other words, you stole the
ship's provisions as long as you could get at them, or you had an
accomplice who kept you fed--he'll be made to smart for it."

On hearing this, I began to tremble for the consequences to Mark.
Though the captain didn't mention his name, I guessed that he pointed at
him. I was much inclined to say who I was, and to speak of Mr
Butterfield, but shame prevented me, and the captain made no inquiries
on the subject.

"Now go forward," he said; "look out sharp, get back your strength, and
make yourself useful."

He turned on his heel, not deigning to hold any further conversation
with so insignificant a perso