uld a thousand watches; but that
something, although so highly prized by me, would not have been valued
at a single sixpence. You guess of what I am speaking? You guess, and
rightly, that I mean that _dear old knife_!

Of course, my uncle would do nothing in the matter. He had no interest
in me farther than to give me a home, and that was a thing of choice
rather than responsibility. He was in no way bound to make good my
damages; and, indeed, I did not permit myself for a moment to entertain
the idea.

There was but one thought that held out to me the slightest hope--one
course that appeared to be tolerably rational. It was this: I could
bind myself to the captain for a long period. I could toil for him as a
boy-sailor--a cabin-boy--a servant--anything that would enable me to
work off my debt.

If he would only accept me for this purpose (and what else could he now
do, unless, indeed, he really did toss me overboard), then all might yet
be right.

The thought cheered me; and I resolved, as soon as I should reach the
captain's presence, to make the proposal.

Just at that moment I heard a loud stamping noise above me. It was a
continued series of thumps, that resembled the heavy footsteps of men
passing backward and forward over the decks. They were on both sides of
the hatchway, and all around it, upon the deck.

Then I heard voices--human voices. Oh, how pleasant to my ears! First,
I heard shouts and short speeches, and then all of them mingling
together in a chant or chorus. Rude it may have been, but during all my
life never heard I sounds that appeared to me so musical or harmonious
as that work-song of the sailors.

It inspired me with confidence and boldness. I could endure my
captivity no longer; and the instant the chorus ended, I sprang forward
under the hatch, and with the wooden handle of my knife knocked loudly
upon the planks overhead.

I listened. My knocking had been heard. There was a parley among the
voices above, and I could distinguish exclamations of surprise; but
although the talking continued, and even a greater number of voices
appeared to take part in it, no attempt was made to take up the hatch.

I repeated my knocking louder than before; and added to it the summons
of my voice; but I could myself perceive that my voice was tiny and
feeble as that of an infant, and I doubted whether it could have been
heard.

Again I listened to a volley of loud exclamations that beto