The said cargo seemed so tightly packed, that in spite of creeping, and groping, and knocking myself pretty hard, I could feel no nook or corner to my mind.

Then I turned giddy again and reeled against the door of a cabin, which gave way so far as to let me fall inwards on to a heap of old sails, ropes, and other softish ship lumber stowed away within.

As I fell my hand struck something warm, which I fancied gave a writhe out of my grasp.

I groped and seized it again, and now there was no mistake.

It was somebody's arm, who said in a quick undertone, "Gently, gently, sirs; I'm coming along with ye.