By this time, though a very powerful man, he felt much exhausted and would gladly have snatched an hour's repose.

But, consulting his watch by the light of his lantern, he found the sun had just risen.

He retired to his place of concealment in the same cat-like way he had come out of it--that is to say, he mounted on the high cases, and then slipped down behind them, into the angle of the wall.
As soon as the office opened, two sailors, whom he had carefully instructed overnight, came with a boat for the cases; the warehouse was opened in consequence, but they were informed that Wylie must be present at the delivery.
"Oh, he won't be long," said they; "told us he would meet us here." There was a considerable delay, and a good deal of talking, and presently Wylie was at their back, and put in his word.
Seaton was greatly surprised at finding him there, and asked him where he had sprung from.
"Me!" said Wylie, jocosely, "why, I hailed from Davy Jones's locker last." "I never heard you come in," said Seaton, thoughtfully.
"Well, sir," replied Wylie, civilly, "a man does learn to go like a cat on board ship, that is the truth.

I came in at the door like my betters; but I thought I heard you mention my name, so I made no noise.

Well, here I am, anyway, and--Jack, how many trips can we take these thundering chests in?
Let us see, eighteen for the _Proserpine,_ and forty for the _Shannon._ Is that correct, sir ?" "Perfectly." "Then, if you will deliver them, I'll check the delivery aboard the lighter there; and then we'll tow her alongside the ships." Seaton called up two more clerks, and sent one to the boat and one on board the barge.