Mesty kept his eyes open for some time, but at last his head sank down upon his chest, and he also slumbered.

Thus, about one o'clock in the morning.

There was not a very good watch kept on board of the Nostra Senora del Carmen.
About four o'clock in the morning, Mesty tumbled forward, and he hit his head against the table, which roused him up.
"By de mass, I tink I almost fall asleep," cried he, and he went to the cabin window, which had been left open, and found that there was a strong breeze blowing in.

"By de Lord, de wind ab come more aft," said Mesty, "why they not tell me ?" So saying, he went on deck, where he found no one at the helm; everyone drunk, and the ship with her yards braced up running before the wind, just by way of a change.

Mesty growled, but there was no time to lose; the topsails only were set,--these he lowered down, and then put the helm a-lee, and lashed it, while he went down to call our hero to his assistance.