ds, and his chief consolation was to remain in their cabin and to
listen to Mr Hart's conversation. The captain, however, who at length
one day found he was there, ordered him on deck.

"What are you and that man plotting about?" he asked, abusing him as an
idle young dog. "I'll give you work to do;" and Harry was sent to
assist Bass in blacking down the rigging.

After that the captain kept him constantly employed in the dirtiest work
about the ship.

Harry bore this treatment without murmuring.

"I only wish that the voyage was over," he remarked to Bass. "Still,
whatever he does, we should be thankful to him for saving our lives."

"I am not so certain that he will let us go free, even when we reach the
Sandwich Islands," answered Bass. "The men say he will swear we are
apprentices, and keep us on board."

"Don't let him suppose that you think so. If we have our wits about us
we may make our escape," said Harry.

Day after day the wind continued light, and the voyage was prolonged.
The captain treated the boys in the same tyrannical way as at first.
Harry could only exchange a few words with his friends when he took them
their meals; he was thankful that the captain had not deprived him of
the opportunity of doing so.

"It is our duty, my dear Harry, to bear with ill-treatment," observed
Mr Hart. "It is hard to do so, but let us pray for grace, and we shall
not seek it in vain."

At length the Island of Oahu, in which the capital Honolulu is situated,
was sighted. As the ship approached the harbour, and Harry and Bass
were congratulating themselves that their emancipation drew near, the
captain ordered them to go down into the cabin. When there they found
themselves suddenly seized by two of the mates, who thrust them into a
small side cabin.

"You will remain there; and take care that you make no noise," said one
of the mates. "When we are at sea again you will be let out." The poor
boys expostulated in vain. The door was locked upon them, and they were
left in almost total darkness.

"I told you so," said Bass. "I was sure he meant us mischief."

"I am very sure that Mr Hart will make every effort to obtain our
release," observed Harry. "So will old Tom; and I should think the
captain would scarcely venture to detain him."

In a short time they heard the anchor let go, and they knew that the
ship had entered the harbour. They waited in the hope that Mr Hart
would discover where they we