ther of the others and
rarely has topgallant-sails, and still more rarely "royals."

I have given this explanation in order that you may understand that the
maintop to which I say I climbed was not the most elevated point of the
mast, but simply the platform near the head of the main-mast, as
understood by sailors.

This platform is, in the common parlance of the crew, frequently
designated the "cradle," and it merits the appellation, for in a vessel
at sea and under a breeze it is generally "rocked" about, either in long
sweeps from side to side, or backward and forward from stem to stern,
according to the ship's motion. It is the pleasantest part of the ship
for one who is inclined to solitude, for once upon it, you cannot see
aught of what is going on below, unless you look over the edge or down
through the lubber's hole already mentioned. You may hear the voices of
the crew, but not distinctly, as the surge of the sea itself, and the
wind drumming upon the sails and whistling through the shrouds, usually
drowns most other sounds. To me it was the greatest luxury to spend a
few minutes in this retired spot. Sick of the association into which I
had so heedlessly thrown myself--disgusted with the constant blasphemy
ever in my ears, and above all, longing for repose, I would have given
anything to have been permitted to spend my leisure hours in this aerial
cradle, but I found no leisure hours nor moments for such indulgence,
for my unfeeling tyrants gave me neither rest nor repose. The mate, in
particular, seemed to take pleasure in rendering my existence as
miserable as he could, and, discovering that I had a predilection for
the "top," seemed determined that of all other places I should not go
there to rest myself.

One day, however, believing that he and the captain had both gone to
sleep,--as they sometimes did in fine weather--I took the opportunity of
ascending to my favourite perch; and, stretching my wearied limbs along
the hard planks, I lay listening to the sad sighing of the winds and the
waters. A sweet breeze fanned my brow, and, notwithstanding the danger
which there was in falling asleep there--for there was no "top armour"
or netting upon the _Pandora_--I was soon in the land of dreams.

CHAPTER SIX.

My dreams were by no means of a pleasant nature.

How could they be, considering the life I was compelled to lead? With
my spirit hourly harassed by indignities, and my body wearied with