Some precaution, therefore, must be taken--I must find a
better stopper.

With this idea I went to work to contrive one. I searched all around
the "floor" of my cabin in hopes of picking up some stray chip, but no
such thing was there.

I bethought me of cutting a splint from one of the great ribs of the
ship; and I made the attempt with my knife, but the wood was hard oak
and painted, and defied all my efforts to split off a piece large enough
for my purpose. In the end, no doubt, I should have succeeded; but just
then it occurred to me that I could more easily get a supply from the
box. This being a rough packing-case, was no doubt made of common deal;
and from the touch I was convinced that it was so. Of course, being
much softer than the oak, and more easily split with a knife, I should
have a better chance of procuring what I wanted; and, moreover, a piece
of deal would do better for a stopper.

Shifting myself round, therefore, so as to face towards the box, I began
to feel all over it for the best place to use my knife upon.

At one of the corners I perceived the point of advantage, where one of
the boards slightly projected above the level of the top. Into this
board I sunk my blade, pressing it downward, and causing it to act both
as a wedge and a chisel. I had given but one push upon it, when I
perceived that the board was loose. The nails which had fastened it had
either been broken off or drawn out, probably by the rough mauling it
had got while being stowed. Whether or not, I felt that it was quite
loose, and moved under my touch.

I at once drew out the blade. I saw that I could pull off the board
with my hands, and it would then be easier to split off the piece that I
wanted. I laid the knife down, and applying my fingers to the
projecting end of the board, I seized it firmly, and pulled with all my
might.

It yielded to my strength. There was some creaking and crackling, as
the nails were drawn out or broken; and then a sound reached my ears
that caused me to desist and listen. It was the sound of some hard
objects escaping from out the box and falling with a rattle upon the
timbers beneath.

I was curious to know what these objects were, and letting go my hold, I
stretched my hands downward, and groped for what had been spilled. I
lifted two of similar shape and size, and as I ran my fingers over them,
I could not restrain myself from giving utterance to a shout of joy.

I have