stole over him. He stretched himself out upon his
comfortable couch, and in a few moments sank into a deep, dreamless
sleep. Prince having licked the dish until it shone again, resumed his
position beside the bunk, and fell asleep also.

CHAPTER V.

ERIC LOOKS ABOUT HIM.

It was broad daylight when the boy awoke, and he felt very well pleased
at finding no one in the room but Ben, who sat by the table, evidently
waiting for him to open his eyes. As soon as he did so the latter
noticed it, and coming up to the bunk, said in his gruff way,--

"Oh, ho! Awake at last. Was wondering if you were going to sleep all
day. Feel like turning out?"

"Of course," replied Eric, brightly. "I feel all right now."

On getting out of the bunk, however, he found himself so dreadfully
stiff and sore that it was positively painful to move, and he had much
difficulty in dragging himself over to the table, where he found a pile
of ship's biscuit and a pannikin of tea awaiting him. He did not feel
at all so hungry as he had the night before, and this very plain repast
seemed very unattractive, accustomed as he was to the best of fare. He
nibbled at the biscuit, took a sip of the tea, and then pushed the
things away, saying,--

"I don't want any breakfast, thank you. I'm not a bit hungry."

Ben was too shrewd not to guess the true reason of the boy's
indifferent appetite.

"There's not much choice of grub on Sable Island," said he, with one of
his grim smiles. "You'll have to take kindly to hard-tack and tea if
you don't want to starve."

"But really I am not hungry," explained Eric eagerly, afraid of seeming
not to appreciate his friend's hospitality. "If I were, I'd eat the
biscuits fast enough, for I'm quite fond of them."

Ben now proceeded to fill and light a big pipe.

"Do you smoke?" he asked, after he had got it in full blast.

"Oh, no," answered Eric. "My father doesn't believe in boys smoking,
and has forbidden me to learn."

"Your father's a sensible man, my boy," said Ben; then added, "Well,
you'd best stay about the hut to-day, since you feel so stiff. I've
got to go off, but I'll be back by mid-day." He put on his hat and
went away, leaving Eric and Prince in possession of the establishment.

Eric did not by any means like the idea of being left alone, but he
naturally shrank from saying so. He went to the door and regretfully
looked after the tall figure striding swiftly over the sand until