I did not believe it would require a great deal of eloquence to bring our party back to a sense of their duty, and I waited impatiently for the time of action. The steerage grew dark, and presently the mate, with a lantern in his hand, appeared. He looked over the cords by which I was made fast to the stanchion, to satisfy himself that the steward had left me secure for the night.
"You are all right, Phil; but I don't think you will sleep very well here," said he.
"I don't expect to sleep."
"Have you anything to say yet?"
"No, sir; not yet."
"I always took you for a sensible fellow; but I see I was mistaken."
"We are all liable to mistakes," I replied, feeling the necessity of saying something.
"You can sleep in one of those berths, if you prefer."
"I do prefer it."
"Then tell me where the money is, and I will let you loose."