not be my fault
if the man who threw me into the water receives the punishment which is
justly his due: that punishment would be nothing short of death--
remember that, my men! I have been taught by a Book, which I wish that
you all would read, to forgive my enemies and those who injure me; and
therefore I will, for the sake of our loving Saviour, endeavour to save
Nolan's life."

The men hung down their heads. This was a very different style of
address from what they were accustomed to. No one expected it; even
Ben, who had frequently been with Mr Manners, did not. The most
hardened felt ashamed of themselves; they were certain that the young
officer would not injure them if he could help it, but they also knew
that he must report them.

At length the boat reached the ship, and Mr Manners went into the cabin
to give an account of the mission on which he had been sent on shore.
Ben felt very anxious for the boat's crew; and the culprits, especially,
felt very anxious for themselves. Ben forgot all about himself, and he
did not suppose that he was likely to gain credit for the part he had
acted. He was therefore very much surprised when he was sent for into
the cabin.

"I find, Hadden, that you have behaved admirably on two occasions
to-day, once in staying by the boat when the proper boat-keepers had
left her, and preventing her from being stove in; and secondly, in
jumping into the sea and saving Mr Manners when he fell overboard. I
wish you to know how highly I approve of your conduct, and will consider
how I can best reward you."

Ben was highly pleased at hearing this. He kept pulling away at the
front lock of his hair, and thanking the captain, till he was told that
he might leave the cabin.

Seamen generally know what has taken place among each other, even when
the officers do not. Tom soon heard all that had occurred, and told his
father. It was reported the next day that the captain proposed flogging
three of the men who had been on shore with Mr Manners. Then it was
known that several of the boat's crew were down with a severe fever, and
it was reported that the captain knew that there was a fever on shore,
and that therefore he had not given leave to the men to go as they had
been accustomed to do. Nolan, who had thrown Mr Manners overboard, was
the very worst of them. It was said that he was talking very
frantically, and accusing himself of the deed. In this dreadful state
he continued r