ng
their own gardens, and fishing, hunting, and leading a life of
adventure. All this seemed delightful, for he would not be alone. At
times he thought of how pleasant it would have been if there were a
companion of his own age; but on the whole the prospect was fascinating,
and even the sensation of dread did not master the satisfaction.

There would be journeys into the interior; the burning mountain to
ascend; strange birds, butterflies, and reptiles to discover, and
perhaps mines of precious stones and gold. Plenty to see, plenty to
find, especially wild fruits, such as were written of in the tropics.
Everything with its spice of danger was tempting, till the recollection
of that appalling roar came again, and with it a sensation of dampness
about his forehead.

At last, just as Mark had decided that he would get up and go and join
Mr Gregory and Small, to sit and talk to them, he dropped off fast
asleep, and started into wakefulness again listening, for he fancied he
had heard that appalling roar.

All still save the sigh of some sleeper, and once more he lay down hot,
weary, and uncomfortable, for sleeping in his clothes seemed to be a
horrible mistake. He had never before realised how many buttons he had
about him; for, if he lay on one side, a brass button seemed to be
thinking that it was a seal, and his ribs were wax. On the other side
it was just as bad. If he turned over on his face, as if about to swim
in the soft sand, the sensation was horrible from his throat downwards;
while, if, in despair, he lay flat on his back, he felt as if a couple
of holes were being bored into his waist, working their way on slowly
till he told himself he could bear no more.

Just then Captain Strong came to the front of the bed, stepping on to
his legs, walking right up him, and sitting down upon his chest, telling
him he was a disobedient son for not going down into the hold of the
ship to dig out the stowaway with the old blue earthenware shell that
lay in the tea-caddy at home, a measure which, when filled three times,
was considered sufficient for the pot. After that Mrs Strong came and
looked at him reproachfully for feeling dissatisfied with his father's
proceedings. She told him he had no business to consider the captain
heavy, for he had often carried him when a little boy, while now it was
his duty to carry his father.

The position seemed painful and tiresome to Mark, for the captain was so
unreasonable