d down to the strength
of a royal breeze, with a corresponding diminution in the height of the
sea; yet it was evident that it would not be possible to safely lower a
boat for some hours to come. But that the men were eager to be off was
also perfectly evident, for instead of manning the pumps again after
dinner, they had spent the entire afternoon hanging about the decks,
inspecting and overhauling the boats, getting provisions, water, and
other necessaries together--the cook lighting a fire in the galley, and
boiling a considerable quantity of meat in the coppers--while, at
intervals, one or another of them would sound the well, and report the
result to his comrades; their actions being marked by a curious
commingling of stealthiness and candour, as though they were quite
unable to decide whether to keep their intentions a secret from me, or
whether it would be possible to still more completely hoodwink me by a
pretence of being perfectly frank and open. At length, however, the
latter plan seemed to be the favoured one; for about sunset the man Sam
came to me with the information that they, had decided to leave the brig
at daybreak, and they'd be glad to know whether I thought the hooker 'd
keep above water until then without pumpin'. Before replying, I
inquired what depth of water there was then in the hold, and at what
rate it was making, after which a brief calculation enabled me to assure
them that she would probably last until noon next day; but that
nevertheless I would recommend them to prepare for a start the first
thing after breakfast; and that the lady and I would be ready by that
time.

From this time forward the brig--hove-to, and with her helm lashed--was
left to take care of herself, the greatly-improved condition of the
weather permitting of this, while the men proceeded, in their own slow,
deliberate fashion, with their preparations for abandoning her. As for
us aft, our preparations were of the simplest possible kind, consisting
merely of the stowing of our clothing in a bundle that could be flung
into the boat at a moment's notice--and the very careful loading of the
brace of duelling-pistols with which my unknown French friend had
presented me. These little matters attended to, I urged Florence to lie
down and endeavour to secure a few hours' sleep, following the same good
advice myself as soon as she had retired to her cabin.

I was awakened about midnight by the man Harry, who had been anxi