It was contained in the after-hold of the vessel, immediately below the officers' berths.

My sons, with all the ardour of their age, begged to begin by clearing a space in the vessel to put the pinnace together, and we might afterwards think how we should launch it.

Under any other circumstances I should have shown them the folly of such an undertaking; but in truth, I had myself a vague hope of success, that encouraged me, and I cried out, "To work! to work!" The hold was lighted by some chinks in the ship's side.

We set diligently to work, hacking, cutting, and sawing away all obstacles, and before evening we had a clear space round us.

But now it was necessary to return, and we put to sea with our cargo, purposing to continue our work daily.