"Marine," said Somers, as the man passed him on his way out of the cabin.
The sentinel stopped and touched his cap.
"How is the prisoner?"
"I haven't heard anything of him, sir, during my beat," replied the marine.
"Isn't he up yet?"
"I didn't hear him, sir. He's a heavy sleeper, I should say, for I don't think he moved while I was on guard."
As Somers had the key of the padlock in his pocket, he was satisfied it was all right with the prisoner, and he went on deck. At seven bells, when his breakfast was brought down, he directed the steward to give Mr. Pillgrim his morning meal, handing the key of the state-room to the corporal.
The door was opened, and the marine entered the little room. Somers sat down at the table to eat his breakfast. He was blessed with a good appetite, and some "'am and heggs," which the steward particularly recommended, looked very inviting. But he had hardly satisfied himself that the steward had not overrated the quality of his viands, before his attention was attracted by an exclamation from the corporal of marines.
"What's the matter?" demanded Somers, rising from the table, and rushing to the state-room.
"Mr. Pillgrim is not here, sir," replied the man.