case he had to play the part of surgeon as
well, for many of the blacks were, like his own men, suffering from
contusions, though fortunately no one seemed to be seriously injured;
and the brilliant moonlight was a great aid in his endeavour to restore
something like order on board.

"I want those two fellows," cried Mark at last, angrily; "they could be
of so much use in managing the blacks."

"Here they are, sir," cried one of the men. "They've been below."

"What have they been doing below--getting at the provisions?"

He asked no more, for at that moment the two men came forward, smiling,
in their neat white man-o'-war garments, which had been confiscated by
the slaver captain when he turned them below into the hold with the rest
of the blacks, little thinking that by this act he was contriving the
means of restoring them all to liberty.

"Hah! that's better!" cried Mark smiling. "Now then see to these poor
creatures. I'm going to serve out something for them to eat and drink."

With the help of a little pantomime he made them readily understand, and
they went forward to the blacks, who at once sat down quietly on the
deck and waited.

At the words eating and drinking, Tom Fillot had gone below, and by the
time his officer was ready to show the way to the stores, biscuit and
water were being served out and eagerly attacked by all.

"And now I think it's our turn," said Mark, who had become conscious of
a peculiar sensation of faintness.

"I've put something ready for you in the cabin, sir," whispered Tom
Fillot.

But Mark was too sensible of his responsibility to go below to eat and
rest, and his refreshment consisted of the same food as was partaken of
by the rest--to wit, biscuit moistened with water.

For there was the watch to visit, the tide to be examined for the hour
of its change, and a score of other little matters to attend to, in
addition to noting Mr Russell's condition from to time.

"How soon will it be high water?" asked Mark at last, after wearily
watching the constant flow.

"Must be soon, sir," said Tom Fillot, who seemed to have dropped into
the position of first lieutenant. "Beg pardon, sir, you mean to sail
with the ebb?"

"Certainly. We must not stay here. That scoundrel may return with
help."

"You're right, sir. Sooner we're out at sea the better I shall like
it."

"Exactly. I want the men to go below and have a good rest. Poor lads!
they have been slaves."

"T