plan, and it worked very well. I placed the end of my
air-tube far into the bung-hole of the hogshead, so that I might not
accidentally pull it out; I loosened myself from the bit of timber; and
then I made my way to the bow of the vessel on which I was. Looking
upward, I found that our brig, which was resting on the tall poops of
the two sunken vessels, was so suspended above me that her fore chains,
which ran under her bowsprit, were almost over my head.

"Now I stood and took some long, deep breaths; then, having made
everything ready, I jerked myself out of that diving-suit in a very few
seconds, and, standing free, I gave a great leap upward, and went
straight to the surface. I am a good swimmer, and with a few strokes I
caught the chains. Stealthily I clambered up, making not the least
noise, and peeped over the rail. There was nobody forward. The whole
ship's company seemed to be crowded aft, where there was a great stir
and confusion. I slipped quietly over the rail and, without being seen
by anybody, made my way into the forecastle. I hurried to my sea-chest.
I took off my wet things and dressed myself in an almost new suit of
shore clothes which I had never worn on the brig. I did not lose any
more time than I could help, but I took unusual care in dressing myself.
I put on a new pair of yellow shoes, and turned up the bottom of my
trousers so as to show my red socks. I had a big felt hat which I had
bought in Mexico, with a little feather in it; and this I put on,
pulling it rakishly over on one side. I put around my neck a long blue
silk cravat with white spots, which I tied in the biggest bow I could
make. Then, feeling that I ought to have something in my hands, I picked
up a capstan-bar, and laying it across my arm after the manner of a
cutlass, I went boldly on deck.

"Making as much noise as possible, and advancing with what you might
call a majestic tread, I strode to the stern of that brig. At first my
approach was not noticed, for there was still a great hubbub, and
everybody seemed to be shouting or swearing or shaking his fist. The
stock-broker stood on one side, and his tongue was going as fast as
anybody's; but I noticed that his hands were tied behind him, and there
was a rope around his neck.

"The captain was the first to see me. He gave me just one look; he
turned pale; and then, with a sort of a scared grunt, down he went on
his knees.

"When the rest of the men laid eyes on me, you neve