When it was quite dark, he got through the hole in the bulkhead, having taken the precaution to arrange the bedclothes in the berth so as to convey the idea of a person covered up.

When through, he hung up the pea-jacket on his knife, as before, to conceal the aperture--this manoeuvre being easily effected, as he did not readjust the piece of plank taken out until afterward.

He was now on the main orlop deck, and proceeded to make his way, as before, between the upper deck and the oil-casks to the main hatchway.

Having reached this, he lit the piece of candle, and descended, groping with extreme difficulty among the compact stowage of the hold.

In a few moments he became alarmed at the insufferable stench and the closeness of the atmosphere.