ver.

I suppose we went to sleep again, for it seemed but a very brief
interval, when, awaking with a start, I perceived the hatchway open.

"Rouse up, Tom," said I, shaking him; "we'd better climb on deck at
once."

"All right," replied Tom, jumping up, and he was soon on the fo'c's'le,
with me after him.

"Who the mother's son are you?" a gruff voice exclaimed; and, looking
round, I saw the skipper of the brig advancing from aft, brandishing a
handspike.

I immediately stepped forwards in front of Tom.

"We've run away to sea, sir," I explained.

"So I see," said the skipper, drawing nearer; "but, what right have you
to come aboard my craft?"

"We couldn't help it, sir," I answered, civilly, wishing to propitiate
him. "It was our only chance."

"Oh, then you'll find it a poor one, youngster," said he grimly.
"Boatswain!"

"Aye, aye, sir!" responded Jorrocks, stepping up.

"Do you know these boys?"

"I've seen 'em at Beachampton," said our friend.

"You don't know how they came aboard, eh?"

"No, I can't say as how I can say, 'zactly, cap'en."

"Well, then tie 'em up to the windlass and fetch me a rope's-end. Now,
my jokers," added he, turning to us, "I've sworn to larrup every
stowaway I ever finds in my brig, and I'm a going to larrup you now!"

CHAPTER EIGHT.

"A FRIEND IN NEED."

Jorrocks had no option but, first, to proceed to pinion us, and then tie
us separately to the windlass, using us as kindly as he could in the
operation and with a sympathising expression on his face--that said as
plainly as looks could speak, "I am really very sorry for this; but I
told you what you might expect, and I can't help it!"

He afterwards went aft to the skipper's cabin, bringing forwards from
thence a stout piece of cord, with the ends frayed into lashes like
those of a whip, which had evidently seen a good deal of service. This
"cat" he handed deferentially to the commander of the brig; who, seizing
it firmly in his right fist, and holding the handspike still in his
left, as if to be prepared for all emergencies, began to lay stroke upon
stroke on our shoulders with a dexterity which Dr Hellyer would have
envied, without being able to rival.

It was the most terrible thrashing that either Tom or myself had ever
experienced before; and, long ere the skipper's practised arm had tired,
our fortitude broke down so, that we had fairly to cry for mercy.

"You'll never stow yourself away on board my