It was carried by a corporal, who came cautiously down the ladder, lighting the footsteps of an officer who followed and held a handkerchief to his nose, for the smell of the bilge was overpowering.
"Pah!" exclaimed this officer, as he arrived at the ladder's foot, and peered around.

"Set the light down on the floor and leave us.
What a hole!" He waited whilst the corporal re-ascended the ladder and disappeared; then, picking up the lantern, held it aloft and let its rays shine full on Tristram's face.
"Ah," he said, after regarding our hero in silence for a few seconds, "it is unmistakable!" And with that he sighed heavily.
"Pardon me, sir," said Tristram, "but the sight of me appears to cause you sorrow." "On the contrary, it fills me with joy." "I am glad to hear you say so, because, as I am fastened here in these irons, it would have been out of my power to relieve you of my presence.

Since you are glad, however--" "Unspeakably." "-- You would do me a great favour by saying why." "Because--look at me, dear lad--because you are my only son!" "In that I really think you must be mistaken.

There are two gentlemen yonder in the corner who at present are asleep.

Are you quite sure one of these is not the object of your search ?" "Quite sure, my dear lad.