The gun-room steward then came back with a basket of _soft-tack_, _i.e._ loaves of bread, and told me that the marine officer requested I would allow two of the men to go up with him to Glencross's shop, to bring down some of the stores.

Of course, I sent two of the men, and told the steward if he saw Hickman, to bring him down to the boat.
By this time many of the women belonging to the ship had assembled, and commenced a noisy conversation with the boat's crew.

One brought an article for Jim, another some clothes for Bill; some of them climbed into the boat, and sat with the men; others came and went, bringing beer and tobacco, which the men desired them to purchase.

The crowd, the noise, and confusion were so great, that it was with the utmost difficulty that I could keep my eyes on all my men, who, one after another, made an attempt to leave the boat.

Just at that time came down the sergeant of the marines, with three of our men whom he had picked up, _roaring drunk_.