Billy groaned. He had much rather have been reported and punished
than have lost his sight, as he now supposed was the case. As soon as
Tom's watch was over, he came down to see Billy, who was still groaning
at the thoughts of having lost his sight. Tom did not think matters so
serious. Intending to comfort Billy, he told him that in consideration
of what had happened, the captain would not be severe on him.

Billy at last groaned himself to sleep. He awoke just before daylight.
All was as dark as ever, but, though he began to groan again, he very
soon once more dropped off to sleep. At last he was aroused by hearing
the hammocks piped up. He instinctively tumbled out of his, when what
was his surprise to find that he could see as well as ever, though his
eyes ached a little, and he felt an uncomfortable smarting about them.

He hastily dressed and went on deck. The discovery that he could see
threw him into high spirits. He began to tell every one of his
wonderful recovery. In a short time the doctor heard of what had
happened, and called him up to hear about it and to examine his eyes.

"I don't wish to damp your spirits, but you must not be too sure of
retaining your sight," observed the surgeon.

Still Billy would not believe this, and was perfectly satisfied that he
was all right. At night, however, what was his disappointment when,
directly the sun set, he became blind and had to be led below to his
hammock. In vain the doctor applied remedies--none of them had the
slightest effect. Poor Billy was under the impression that he should
have to leave the service without a chance of becoming one of England's
admirals, or even obtaining his lieutenancy.

The two ships, still keeping in company, had a long spell of fine
weather, but at length one evening it came on to blow hard. The wind
increased during the night, and on the following day a terrific storm of
thunder and lightning burst over the ship. The _Orion_, which had
hitherto kept company, was lost sight off. The thunder rolled and
rattled, and flash succeeded flash, each more vivid than the first.
Several times it appeared as if the ship herself would be struck, as the
forked lightning, bursting from the mass of dark clouds above, went
zig-zagging over the summits of the waves. It was Tom's watch. Billy,
who, in the day time, could do duty as well as ever, was on deck, as
indeed were most of the officers, who had come up to witness the
terr