ecured he kept coming to where Mark
sat with his dog.

"Rough work this, my lad, isn't it?" he said every time, and as he spoke
his hand went unconsciously to Bruff's head to rub and pat it.

Then he was off again, giving orders which package to take next, and
securing the loops of the rope-tackle himself.

"Now, all together my lads," he shouted, and away went the load.

It was dreary work, and yet full of excitement, for the men toiled on
with terrible energy, for there was the knowledge that though a great
deal of cargo had been removed, the moans of the poor wretch were being
heard less plainly.

It was Mr Morgan who now came to where Mark was seated, and he too
began to pat and rub Bruff's head.

"No, my lad," he said, in answer to a question, "we can do no more than
we are doing. If we got more hands at work they would be in each
other's way."

He was panting with exertion as he spoke, and began to wipe his brow.

"It's a horrible set out. The man must have been mad to hide himself
there."

"But you'll get him out?"

"Yes, we shall get him out," said the young officer; "but I'm growing
sadly afraid that he'll die from sheer fright before we reach him."

"But you will keep on?"

"Keep on, my lad! Yes, if we have to empty the hold. Why, what sort of
savages do you think us?"

He hurried away, and after a lapse Mr Gregory came.

"Help? no, my boy--poor old doggie then! Good old man!--no, you can't
help. If I set you to hold a lanthorn, you'd be in somebody's way. We
can't half of us work as it is, for want of room. It's a sad job."

As he spoke he kept on caressing Bruff, who rolled his stupid great head
from side to side with evident enjoyment, while, in spite of the horror
of what was going on, Mark could not help a feeling of satisfaction at
the way in which his dog was growing in favour.

One hour--two hours--three hours must have gone by, and still the men
toiled on at their fearfully difficult task, one which seemed to grow
more solemn as they went on.

"Can't hear a sound, my lad," said the first-mate; "and I think we'll
try the dog again. Come along, old chap."

Mark loosened his hold on the dog, and he followed the mate and was
lifted down into the great cavernous hole the men had made, while a
lanthorn was held so that they could watch his proceedings.

Bruff did not leave them long in doubt, but began snuffing at one side,
close to the end, following it up by scratching and