The conversation I have described was frequently interrupted--sometimes
by a heavier sea than usual rolling by, and compelling us to hold tight
for our lives; at others we were silent for several minutes together.
We were seated on the after-part of the maintop, the rigging which hung
down on either side acting as ballast, and contributing to keep the
wreck of the mast tolerably steady in one position. We were thus
completely out of the water, though the spray from the crest of the seas
which was blown over us kept us thoroughly wet and cold. Fortunately,
we both had on thick clothing. Clement was always nicely dressed, for
the captain, though not particular about himself, liked to see him look
neat, while I, on the contrary, had on my oldest working suit, and was
as rough-looking a sea-dog as could be imagined. My old tarry coat and
trousers, and sou'-wester tied under my chin, contributed, however, to
keep out the wind, and enable me the better to endure the cold to which
we were exposed. I sheltered Clem as well as I could, and held him
tight whenever I saw a sea coming towards him, fearing lest he might be
washed away. I had made up my mind to perish with him rather than let
him go. Hour after hour passed by, till at length, the clouds breaking,
the moon came forth and shone down upon us. I looked at Clem's face: it
was very pale, and I was afraid he would give way altogether. "Hold on,
hold on, Clem," I exclaimed. "The wind is falling, and the sea will
soon go down; we shall have daylight before long, and in the meantime we
have the moon to cheer us up. Perhaps we shall be on shore this time
to-morrow, and comfortably in bed; and then we will go back to my
father, and he will find out all about your friends. He is a
wonderfully clever man, though a bit strict, to be sure."

"Thank you, Jack, thank you," he answered. "Don't be afraid; I feel
pretty strong, only somewhat cold and hungry."

Just then I recollected that I had put the best part of a biscuit into
my pocket at tea-time, having been summoned on deck as I was eating it.
It was wet, to be sure; but such biscuits as we had take a good deal of
soaking to soften thoroughly. I felt for it. There it was. So I put a
small piece into Clem's mouth. He was able to swallow it. Then I put
in another, and another; and so I fed him, till he declared he felt much
better. I had reserved a small portion for myself, but as I knew that I
could go on without