ched them for some
minutes, and could then stand it no longer, but getting up, they came to
the nearest mess-table, pointing to their mouths. The Frenchmen
laughed, and then invited them to join them.

"It was the smell of their dinner made me dream," thought Bill, as he
thankfully accepted the dish of soup and meat which was handed to him.
Never had he eaten a more delicious mess; hunger, indeed, increased its
flavour, and he did his best to show the Frenchmen the satisfaction it
afforded him. They seemed much amused when he held out his bowl for
more. Of course, Bill could not understand what was said, as none
appeared to speak English. When dinner was over, Bill and his
companions were allowed to lie down again out of the way, on the
hammocks, and were once more quickly asleep. They woke up again at
supper-time, when Bill felt himself perfectly ready for another meal.
The next day, however, the Frenchmen looked somewhat sulkily at them,
and some hard biscuit and water was given them for breakfast; while at
dinner, instead of being invited to the messes, a bowl of soup was
placed before them, from which, by signs, they understood they were to
help themselves. The next day their bedding was taken away, and they
found that they had only the hard deck to lie upon. Grimshaw, as may be
supposed, grumbled greatly.

"We must bear it, however," said Bill. "The voyage will come to an end
before long; then, I suppose, if the English have got hold of any
Frenchmen, these people will be glad to give us up, and get them back
instead. I wonder how Mr Collinson is getting on? I hope they don't
treat him as they do us."

Although Grimshaw grumbled, he could not help acknowledging that they
were all gaining health and strength, with the rest they were enjoying;
and in the course of three days they were so much better, that they
could manage to crawl on deck. The wind had been very light, so they
had made but little progress. As they were able to get into a shady
place, the fresh air revived them. Bill looked aft, anxiously looking
for Mr Collinson, but he did not appear. When he attempted to go aft
himself, one of the seamen made signs to him that he was to remain where
he was. The ship was running some three or four knots only through the
water, with all sail set.

"I say, Tommy," said Bill to his companion, "there's another chance of
our escaping a French prison. What do you think if the _Lilly_, or some
other s