over some to my men, I kept my boat
as far off as I could get.

Presently the steward came down, and told the coxswain that his lordship
had made up his mind to stay on shore, and that the boat was to return
to the ship. Just then, however, I saw an animal of some sort, but what
it was I could not distinguish through the gloom of night, come close
down to the water. A couple of the men instantly jumped ashore, and,
catching hold of it, lifted it into the boat, laughing and chuckling
loudly. I had a short time longer to wait before the officers came
down.

Of course I said nothing of what I had seen. We pulled alongside the
frigate, the boats were hoisted up, and my watch being over, I turned in
to my hammock. I had not been long asleep when my ears were saluted by
the most unearthly sounds, so it seemed to me, that ever broke the
stillness of night. A universal panic seemed to be prevailing. Men
were rushing up on deck, shouting out that Old Nick himself had gained
possession of the ship, some carrying their clothes with them, but
others only in their shirts, leaving in their terror everything else
behind.

The alarm which had begun forward extended aft; the marines, headed by
their sergeant and corporal,--though the sentries still remained at
their posts,--ever mindful of their duty, and ready to do battle with
foes human or infernal. I and the other midshipmen, thus awakened from
our sleep by the fearful sounds, jumped out of our hammocks, and began
dressing as fast as we could. It was not until I was half-way up the
ladder, and still not quite awake, that I recollected the occurrence at
the landing-place. Again the sounds which had alarmed us came forth
from the lower depths of the ship. Many of the men in their terror
seemed inclined to jump overboard.

Before long, however, old Rough-and-Ready came hurrying on deck, with
his small-clothes over his arm and night-cap on head; his voice rang out
above the uproar, inquiring what was the matter. The drum beat to
quarters, the boatswain's whistle sounded shrilly, piping all hands on
deck, though the greater number were there already. No one answered the
first lieutenant's question.

Again the sound was heard. The men who were at their stations seemed
inclined to desert them, when it struck me that only one animal in
existence could make that fearful noise, and as matters were getting
serious, I went up to the first lieutenant and said--

"I fancy, s