other of cognac.

"There are several more here, so that we need not stint ourselves," he
said, laughing.

A corkscrew was soon found. I took a couple of glasses. The wine was
excellent, there was no doubt about that. La Touche pressed me to take
a third. "Come, we must pledge each other," he said, replenishing my
glass, and filling up his own. "Here's to the continuance of our
friendship."

I felt pretty well tired, as I had been up the whole of the last night,
and a good portion of the previous one, so I was not sorry to have
something to set me up. We struck our glasses together, and wished each
other health, prosperity, and promotion.

"You like the wine," said La Touche. "Come--another glass; now we must
finish the bottle, and I don't wish to take a larger share than you
have."

"No, no, my friend," I answered, thinking there was something peculiar
in his manner. "I command this craft, and must keep a cool head on my
shoulders, but I have no objection to your finishing the bottle, and
taking a second, if you like."

In vain he pressed me, for the more he pressed, the more determined I
became not to take another drop. I found the wine indeed stronger than
I had supposed it was. Besides which, I recollected the major's advice,
which strengthened me in my resolution.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN.

TREACHERY.

After supper we rose to go on deck. I observed as we did so, that La
Touche replaced the bottle in the locker. I felt more inclined to go to
sleep than to pace the deck, but I resolved to take the first watch,
that Nash might have the middle one. The wind had fallen still more,
the moonbeams cast a silvery light over the ocean. La Touche, who had
followed me out of the cabin, joined me, and we walked up and down for
some time. At length, giving a yawn, he said--

"If monsieur does not wish me to keep watch, which I shall be happy to
do, I shall turn in, for I can scarcely keep my eyes open."

"Thank you," I said; "but I cannot disobey my orders, though I should
place perfect confidence in your honour."

"I am much obliged to you for the compliment," he replied in a
hesitating tone; and wishing me good-night, and a pleasant watch, he
dived below.

I continued walking up and down the deck, doing my utmost to keep myself
awake. Seeing Larry, I called to him to come to me. One of our men was
at the helm. I asked Larry how the people were getting on forward.

"We're all as friendly as bees