mely difficult task,--almost hopeless. Oh! it was a dread prospect
that lay before me.

Would that we might encounter some British cruiser! I heartily hoped
that some one might see and pursue us. It would have given me joy to
have heard the shot rattling through the spars and crashing into the
sides of the _Pandora_!

CHAPTER TEN.

Of course I did not give utterance to these sentiments before any of the
_Pandora's_ crew. That would have led me into worse trouble than ever.
Even Brace could not have protected me had I given expression to the
disgust with which my new associates had inspired me, and I acted only
with the ordinary instinct of prudence when I held my tongue and
pretended not to notice those matters that were queer. Withal, I could
not altogether dissemble. My face might have told tales upon me; for
more than once I was taken to task by my ruffian companions, who jeered
me for my scruples, calling me "green-horn", "land-lubber", "son of a
gun", "son of a sea-cook," and other like contemptuous appellations, of
which, among sailors, there is an extensive vocabulary. Had they known
the full measure of contempt in which I had held them, they would scarce
have been satisfied by giving me nicknames only. I should have had
blows along with them; but I took care to hide the dark thoughts that
were passing in my bosom.

I was determined, however, to have an explanation with Brace and ask his
advice. I knew that I could trust him, but it was a delicate point; and
I resolved to approach him with caution. He might be angry with me; for
he, too, was engaged in the same nefarious companionship. He might be
sensitive and reproach me for a meddler.

And yet I fancied he would not. One or two expressions I had heard him
drop casually, had led me to the belief that Brace was tired of the life
he was leading--that he, too, was discontented with such a lot; and that
some harsh fate had conducted him into it. I hoped that it was so; for
I had grown greatly interested in this fine man. I had daily evidence
that he was far different from his associates,--not hardened and wicked
as they. Though under the influence of association men gradually assume
the tone of the majority, yet Brace had a will and a way of his own,--
there was a sort of moral idiosyncracy about him that rendered him
unlike the rest, and which he appeared to preserve, notwithstanding the
constant contamination to which he was exposed by his