s were piling and ramming in cases and barrels, bales and boxes,
wedging him in so closely that he knew he should never get out. Every
minute his position grew more hopeless and the desire to struggle less.
Once or twice he did try, but his efforts were vain; and at last he lay
panting and exhausted and staring at the black darkness which suddenly
seemed to have grown grey.

Was he awake? Had he been to sleep? Where was he?

He realised it all like a flash. He was in that cramped berth in the
little cabin; and though he had not felt the approach of sleep, he must
have been fast for some hours and had an attack of nightmare, from which
he had awakened flat upon his back.

Mark uttered a sigh of relief, changed his position, lay looking at the
grey light of morning and listening to some faintly-heard sounds, and
then made up his mind to get up and dress.

Almost as a matter of course the result was that he dropped off fast
asleep, and lay till a pleasant familiar voice cried to him that
breakfast was nearly ready.

Getting off the shelf was nearly as difficult as getting upon it, but
Mark took his first lesson in a determined way, and entered the cabin
well rested and hungry just as the captain made his appearance.

"Oh, father, I feel so ashamed!" cried Mark.

"Why, my lad?"

"Sleeping comfortably there while you've been up at work all night."

"Nothing of the kind, my boy. Mr Morgan relieved us at three, and I've
had five hours' sleep since then. Here they come."

Mr Gregory and Mr Morgan entered the cabin directly, both looking as
calm and comfortable as if nothing had disturbed them. After the first
greetings the first-mate began to look round the cabin.

"What's wrong, Gregory?" said the captain.

"Wrong!" said the first-mate. "Nothing. I was only looking after that
dog."

"Why, surely you don't want to send him ashore?"

"Ashore, nonsense! Very fine dog, sir. I should like to have him. Ah,
there you are!"

For just then Bruff came slowly and sedately into the cabin from a walk
round the deck, and going straight up to the mate, blinked at him, and
gave his tail two wags before going under the table to lay his head in
his master's lap.

"Well, Morgan, how are you getting on?" asked the captain.

"Splendidly, sir. Quite like home to have a lady pouring out the
coffee."

"No, no; I mean with the cargo."

"Oh! I beg pardon, sir. All right. We're about where we were before
the acci