ibly do such a thing," I assented; "but I am willing
to take the risk, sir, if you are."

"Well done, Hawkesley! you are made of the right stuff for a sailor,"
was Smellie's encouraging remark. "Then we'll do it," he continued.
"The first thing is to close and fasten the fore-scuttle, which, I have
already ascertained, is secured with a hasp and staple. A belaying-pin
will secure it effectually; so that is the first thing we need."

A loose belaying-pin was soon found; and, provided with this, we then
returned to the fore-scuttle, noiselessly placed the cover in position,
and thrust the pin through the staple thus effectually imprisoning the
crew.

"Now another belaying-pin and a rope's-end--a fathom or so off the end
of the topgallant halliards will do--to secure this vigilant look-out in
the galley."

Armed with the necessary gear we next crept toward the galley. The
question was, how to secure the man effectually in the intense darkness
and confined space, and at the same time prevent his raising an alarm.
The only thing was to lure him out on deck; and accordingly, whilst
Smellie awaited him at the door, I went in, and grasping him by the
shoulder shook him roughly, retiring again promptly as soon as I found
that I had aroused him. The fellow rose to his feet hurriedly,
evidently under the impression that one of the officers had caught him
napping, and, scarcely half-awake, stumbled out on deck muttering in
Spanish a few incoherent words which he no doubt intended for an
explanation of his presence in the galley. As he emerged from the door
I promptly--and I fear rather roughly--forced the belaying-pin between
his teeth and secured it there with the aid of my pocket handkerchief,
Smellie at the same moment pinioning him from the other side so
effectually that he was rendered quite incapable of resistance. A very
short time sufficed us to secure him beyond the possibility of escape;
and then the next thing demanding our attention was the skylight and
companion. I had already thought of a means by which these might be
made perfectly secure, and I now offered the idea to Smellie for
whatever it might be worth. My suggestion met with his most unqualified
approval, and we forthwith set about carrying it out. There was an
abundance of firewood in the galley; and, selecting suitable pieces, we
lost no time in hacking out half-a-dozen wedges. Armed with these we
went aft, and noiselessly closing the companion