The song over, I heard a harsh, gruff voice mixing with the more civilized tones of the party, and soon perceived that Mr.Brail was recounting my proposal amid the most uproarious shouts of laughter I ever listened to.

Then followed a number of pleasant suggestions for my future management; one proposing to have me tried for mutiny, and sentenced to a ducking over the side, another that I should be tarred on my back, to which latter most humane notion, the fair Agnes subscribed, averring that she was resolved upon my deserving my sobriquet of Dirk Hatteraick.

My wrath was now the master even of deadly sickness.

I got upon my knees, and having in vain tried to reach my legs, I struggled aft.

In this posture did I reach the quarter-deck.