The air in the hold was stifling and soon I breathed with difficulty. I longed for a drink of water, and wondered how long I could stand being in the place should those on deck forget I was there.
But those on deck had not forgotten me, as I soon saw. Presently the hatch was raised, letting in a flood of sunshine, and then a man's head was bent low.
"Below there!" he called out.
"Let me out," I replied.
"Will you be easy if we do?" he went on.
"That all depends. Why was I brought on board?"
"Because you belong here."
"Belong here!" I ejaculated. "I don't belong to this vessel."
"Well, that's what I was told; I don't know anything about it myself. Here, catch the rope and I'll haul you up."
As the sailor spoke he lowered a piece of heavy rope. Thinking anything would be better than remaining in the hold, I complied with his request, and a moment later stood upon the deck of the vessel.