t by bit, till at length, ceasing to
dispute, they shuffle off over the quarter, and on to the poop.

Neither of the two officers pays any attention to their demonstrations;
and the movement aft is not made for them. Both lieutenant and
midshipman seem excited by other thoughts--some strong impulse urging
them on. Alone is the coxswain mystified by the hairy men, and not a
little alarmed; but, without speaking, he follows his superiors.

All continue on toward the quarterdeck, making for the cabin-door.
Having boarded the barque by the forechains, they must pass the caboose
going aft. Its sliding panel is open, and when opposite, the three come
to a stand. They are brought to it by a faint cry, issuing out of the
cook's quarters.

Looking in, they behold a spectacle sufficiently singular to detain
them. It is more than singular--it is startling. On the bench, in
front of the galley-fire--which shows as if long-extinguished--sits a
man, bolt upright, his back against the bulkhead. Is it a man, or but
the semblance of one? Certainly it is a human figure; or, speaking more
precisely, a human skeleton with the skin still on; this black as the
coal-cinders in the grate in front of it!

It is a man--a negro. And living; since at sight of them he betrays
motion, and makes an attempt to speak.

Only the coxswain stays to listen, or hear what he has to say. The
others hurry on aft, making direct for the cabin, which, being between
decks, is approached by a stairway.

Reaching this, they rush down, and stand before the door, which they
find shut. Only closed, not locked. It yields to the turning of the
handle; and, opening, gives them admission.

They enter hastily, one after the other, without ceremony or
announcement. Once inside, they as quickly come to a stop, both looking
aghast. The spectacle in the caboose was nought to what is now before
their eyes. That was but startling; this is appalling.

It is the main-cabin they have entered; not a large one, for the polacca
has not been constructed to carry passengers. Still is it snug, and
roomy enough for a table six feet by four. Such a one stands in the
centre, its legs fixed in the floor, with four chairs around it,
similarly stanchioned.

On the table there are decanters and dishes, alongside glasses and
plates. It is a dessert service, and on the dishes are fruits, cakes,
and sweetmeats, with fragments of the same on the plates. The decanters
co