ur use. I therefore determined that my next task should
be to search for these bales; which, being composed of rather valuable
goods, and destined moreover to be discharged at the brig's first port
of call, I thought would probably be found on top of the rest of the
cargo and near to one of the hatches.

The next day proved even finer than its predecessor, the wind holding in
the same direction but of perhaps a shade less strength than on the day
before, while the sea had gone down until the water was smooth as the
surface of a pond excepting for the low swell that scarcely ever quite
disappears in mid-ocean; it was an ideal day for taking off the hatches,
and I therefore determined to commence my examination of the cargo at
once, beginning with the main hatch. To knock out the wedges, remove
the battens, and roll back the tarpaulin was not a difficult job, and
when I had got thus far, the removal of a couple of the hatches was soon
effected. Luck was with me that day, for no sooner had I got the
hatches off than my eyes fell upon a bale bearing marks which, according
to the testimony of the vessel's manifest, showed it to be one of those
of which I was in search. It was too large, and was too tightly wedged
in among others to admit of my moving it unaided, but with the
assistance of a strop on the mainstay, and the watch tackle, I soon
broke it out and triumphantly landed it on deck. The manifest gave the
contents as ready-made clothing--men's and women's; which was exactly
what Miss Onslow at least needed more than anything else; so I opened it
forthwith, and then called the young lady to overhaul the contents and
select what she would, while I gave her a spell at the wheel. In ten
minutes she came aft, with her arms full of neatly-folded white
material, and disappeared below. Then she came on deck again, had a
further search, and this time carried off a load of coloured fabric;
after which she remained invisible for nearly three-quarters of an hour.
Finally she reappeared clad in an entirely new rig-out from top to toe;
and very sweet and charming she looked, although I regret being unable
to inform my female readers of the details of her costume. Then I had
my innings, and after a considerable amount of rummaging succeeded in
finding a couple of suits of light tweed that I thought would fit me,
together with a generous supply of underclothing. This done, and our
more pressing needs in the matter of clothing