held with him and the surgeon, which ended in
the captain's consenting to go on board with his arm in a sling, as if
he had been wounded, and my being put into a cot, and removed on board
to the captain's cabin, as if still too weak with the fever to quit my
bed. Cross was enjoined silence, and I was made acquainted by the
surgeon with the result of the conference.

The next morning we were all embarked, and we hove the anchor up, and
made sail to the southward. It must be observed, that I had neither
seen nor had any communications with the captain, during the whole of
this time. He was informed by the surgeon that I was in great distress
of mind at the news of my mother's death, and that my recovery would be
retarded in consequence.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE.

IT was not until three or four days after the ship had sailed from
Martinique that the captain spoke to me. I had during that time
remained in my cot, which was hung up in the fore-cabin, and when the
surgeon dressed my wounds it was only in the presence of Bob Cross. On
the fourth morning after our sailing, the captain came inside of the
screen, which was hung round my cot:--"Well, Mr Keene," said he in a
very kind voice, "how are you?"

"Much better, sir, I thank you; and hope you will look over the great
liberty I ventured to take for the honour of the service."

"Why," replied the captain, smiling, "I think you have been sufficiently
punished already for your temerity; I appreciate your motive of action
and feel obliged to you for your great zeal towards the service and
towards me. The only objection (I may say annoyance) I have on the
subject is, the mystery and secrecy compelled to be observed in
consequence of your taking my place; and still more, that one of the
seamen of the ship should be a party to the secret."

"I certainly did not consider the consequences as I ought to have done,
sir, when I ventured to act as I did," replied I.

"Say no more about it, Mr Keene. I am very sorry to hear of your
mother's death; but it was not, I believe, unexpected."

"No, sir," replied I; "and therefore the shock has not been so great."

"Well, Mr Keene, of course it is from the interest I took in your
mother that I was induced to take you under my protection, and her death
will make no difference in that point, so long as you conduct yourself
as you have hitherto done. You have now created a strong interest for
yourself by your good conduct, and I