in a narrow bag, out of which, I imagined, I
should be apt, on the least motion in my sleep, to tumble down at
the hazard of breaking my bones. I suffered myself, however, to be
persuaded, and taking a leap to get in, threw myself quite over, with
such violence, that had I not luckily got hold of Thompson's hammock,
I should have pitched upon my head on the other side, and in all
likelihood fractured my skull.

After some fruitless efforts, I succeeded at last; but the apprehension
of the jeopardy in which I believed myself withstood all the attacks of
sleep till towards the morning watch, when, in spite of my fears, I was
overpowered with slumber, though I did not long enjoy this comfortable
situation, being aroused with a noise so loud and shrill, that I thought
the drums of my ears were burst by it; this was followed by a dreadful
summons pronounced by a hoarse voice, which I could not understand.
While I was debating with myself, whether or not I should wake my
companion and inquire into the occasion of this disturbance, I was
informed by one of the quartermasters who passed by me with a lantern
in his hand, that the noise which alarmed me was occasioned by the
boatswain's mates who called up the larboard watch, and that I must lay
my account with such an interruption every morning at the same hour.
Being now more assured of my safety, I undressed myself again to rest,
and slept till eight o'clock, when rising, and breakfasting with my
comrades on biscuit and brandy, the sick were visited and assisted as
before; after which visitation my good friend Thompson explained and
performed another piece of duty, to which I was a stranger. At a certain
hour in the morning, the boy of the mess went round all the decks,
ringing a small hand-bell, and, in rhymes composed for the occasion,
invited all those who had sores to repair before the mast, where one of
the doctor's mates attended, with applications to dress them.

CHAPTER XXVII

I acquire the friendship of the Surgeon, who procures a warrant for me,
and makes me a present of clothes--a battle between a Midshipman and
me--the Surgeon leaves the ship--the Captain comes on board with another
Surgeon--a dialogue between the Captain and Morgan--the sick are ordered
to be brought upon the Quarter-deck and examined--the consequences of
that order--a Madman accuses Morgan, and is set at liberty by command of
the Captain, whom he instantly attacks, and pummels without mer