Show a hand, Master Martin!" I thereupon stretched out upwards, and Jorrocks, reaching downwards, placed in my grip our old acquaintance of the previous night, the mess- tin, filled with pieces of beef and potatoes mixed up together, after which he shoved on the hatchway cover again, as if somebody had suddenly interrupted him.
I made a hearty meal, although Tom felt too qualmish to eat much, and then we both lay down with the assurance that our troubles would probably soon be over.
I suppose we went to sleep again, for it seemed but a very brief interval, when, awaking with a start, I perceived the hatchway open.
"Rouse up, Tom," said I, shaking him; "we'd better climb on deck at once." "All right," replied Tom, jumping up, and he was soon on the fo'c's'le, with me after him.
"Who the mother's son are you ?" a gruff voice exclaimed; and, looking round, I saw the skipper of the brig advancing from aft, brandishing a handspike.
I immediately stepped forwards in front of Tom.
"We've run away to sea, sir," I explained.
"So I see," said the skipper, drawing nearer; "but, what right have you to come aboard my craft ?" "We couldn't help it, sir," I answered, civilly, wishing to propitiate him.

"It was our only chance." "Oh, then you'll find it a poor one, youngster," said he grimly.
"Boatswain!" "Aye, aye, sir!" responded Jorrocks, stepping up.
"Do you know these boys ?" "I've seen 'em at Beachampton," said our friend.
"You don't know how they came aboard, eh ?" "No, I can't say as how I can say, 'zactly, cap'en." "Well, then tie 'em up to the windlass and fetch me a rope's-end.

Now, my jokers," added he, turning to us, "I've sworn to larrup every stowaway I ever finds in my brig, and I'm a going to larrup you now!".