at
work, and they should not treat officers in that way, even though we are
their enemies," exclaimed Harry, indignantly.

"That is the very reason the captain will take delight in giving you
such employment," said Pierre. "No one likes him on board. Even the
officers fear him; but he is said to be a very good seaman and a daring
character, so brave that he cares for nothing."

From this account of the captain the boys saw that they were not far
wrong in the opinion they had formed of him from his countenance and his
manner towards them. They resolved, therefore, to keep out of his way,
and to avoid irritating him if they could. While the gale continued he
had quite enough to do to look after the vessel without troubling
himself about them. Indeed, as far as they could judge, he had
forgotten that they were on board. Although the place below where they
sat with the men was close and dark in consequence of being battened
down, they spent much of their time there. Many of the men were
employed in various works. Several were making models of vessels in a
way few English seamen could have done. David proposed doing something
of the sort, to show the Frenchmen that he did not wish to be idle, and
that he felt himself at home among them. He asked Pierre to get him
some corks, and to set to work to make a model of a village church.
This, with the aid of some pins, he rapidly accomplished with a file
which he borrowed from one of the men, and he drew down the warm
commendations of his companions, who were especially well disposed to
appreciate such efforts. He accordingly presented it to his stout
friend, Jacques Rossillion, the good-natured seaman who had from the
first taken an interest in him.

Thus several days passed away till the gale abated, the sea went down,
and sail was once more made on the schooner. Harry had been perhaps
unwisely anxious to put on his own uniform again, which was now
thoroughly dry and fit to wear. Pierre advised him not to appear before
the captain in it. "Still it's my proper dress," answered Harry, who,
like many midshipmen, was very tenacious on that subject. The gale,
which had been in their favour, had carried them a long way towards
their destination, as they judged by the warmth of the atmosphere and
the tropical appearance of the sea. The officers as usual paced the
quarter-deck, and the men congregated together forward. A monkey, which
had hitherto stowed himself away