I listened and heard the suppressed breathings of the person; and presently I felt his hand laid upon me. I had a further opportunity to exercise my senses, for I could smell rum very distinctly.

"Who is it?" I asked.

"Don't you know me? I'm Jack Sanderson," replied the visitor. "We want you on deck."

"I thought you had all caved in."

"Not a bit of it, Phil. We are all as true as the compass."

"You have been drinking."

"Only a nip or two each; but we are all right. We pretended to cave in, but we didn't, Phil. Now let me cut your ropes."

"No; not yet, Jack. You will spoil everything if you move too soon."

"What do you mean? Have you caved in, Phil?"

"No; but I have a friend in the cabin."