"The money belongs to me."
"I don't wish to argue the matter. If you want to sleep in a berth, you can do so by telling me where the money is."
"I think you ought to let me have my own money, Mr. Waterford. I worked hard—"
"No cant. I see you are not ready to tell yet. If you get tired of your situation before morning, you can call the steward, who sleeps here, and he will let me know. I have the mid-watch, and I'm going to turn in now. It's no use to waste time talking with you."
I did not wish him to waste any time in this profitless manner; so I said nothing, and he left me to my hard fate. Since Palmer had loosed my bonds I was tolerably comfortable, though the pitching of the bark occasionally threw the strain of the ropes upon my arms. I heard no more from the mate, and I supposed he had turned in; but the steward did not come as soon as I expected. I heard two bells on deck, which indicated nine o'clock; but I concluded that the Spaniards in the cabin had not yet turned in.
The steerage was pitch dark, and I could not see a thing; but soon after I heard two bells, there was a sound not more than a mouse might have made in his nocturnal perambulations in search of cheese. I listened attentively, and was soon conscious that some one was in the steerage with me.
"Phil," said a whispered voice, when I began to be not a little excited over the circumstance.
"Who's there?" I replied, in a tone as low and guarded, for I was willing to believe that the visitor was a friend until he had proved himself to be a foe.
"Where are you?"
"Here."