134 NIMKOD OF THE SEA; OR, 



CHAPTER XI. 



The Boat lowered, and the Men leave the Ship. Residuary Legatee, and 

 Preparation of the Chests, with national Song. Second Mate makes a 

 Discovery, and discourseth thereon. Muster-roll called, and armed Boat 

 ordered away. Give up Chase, and attack on Case-bottle. Weigh An- 

 chor for Payta. Description of Balsa Kafts. A Providence for maritime 

 Men in f;he placing of Timber. Shoal of swimming Crabs. Black-fish 

 Chase. Arrive at Payta, and ship eight Men. Introducing "Long 

 Tom." Jack and the Fairy in Broadway. Jack's three Wishes. 



LATER in the night, from my berth, a watchful ear caught 

 the sound of the bow-boat in its descent from the davits, 

 the cautious footsteps on deck, a low-hummed conversation, 

 the dropping of the men, one by one, from the fore-chains 

 into the boat, and then all was still. The forecastle was in 

 darkness, for the runaways had extinguished every light on 

 board. On calling, I found a number of the men had been 

 awakened by the descending boat, but they had not suspect- 

 ed the cause. A light was struck, when the men were in- 

 formed that the bow-boat had been taken and four of our 

 shipmates were gone. 



According to immemorial usage, the survivors proceeded 

 to overhaul the chests of the departed, to secure any keep- 

 sakes they might have left to the mourning family, and to 

 make sure that their " love-letters " should not fall into the 

 hands of the captain, to the confusion of high-born dames at 

 home. As in solemn duty bound, every thing was removed 

 from the chests save an old deck of cards from " Wicked 

 Bill's." These were of no use to honest folk, for they had 

 the private marks of a knave in the dog-eared corners. They 



