Such as he pronounces in a dying state I shall have sent ashore; the rest will be provided with everything needful, and remain aboard." At this announcement, we gazed strangely at each other, anxious to see who it was that looked like dying, and pretty nearly deciding to stay aboard and get well, rather than go ashore and be buried.

There were some, nevertheless, who saw very plainly what Wilson was at, and they acted accordingly.

For my own part, I resolved to assume as dying an expression as possible; hoping that, on the strength of it, I might be sent ashore, and so get rid of the ship without any further trouble.
With this intention, I determined to take no part in anything that might happen until my case was decided upon.

As for the doctor, he had all along pretended to be more or less unwell; and by a significant look now given me, it was plain that he was becoming decidedly worse.
The invalids disposed of for the present, and one of them having gone below to be examined, the consul turned round to the rest, and addressed them as follows:-- "Men, I'm going to ask you two or three questions--let one of you answer yes or no, and the rest keep silent.

Now then: Have you anything to say against your mate, Mr.