By the terrible racket of the machinery and the strong smell of tar and oil I felt certain that it was no passenger steamer by which I was travelling. Everywhere were traces of black dust. I dipped my finger in some of it, examining it closely; it was coal dust. The ship was a collier. I rose again, and taking up a stout piece of wood lying on the floor, battered heavily at the door, demanding release. But the clash and roar of the rickety engines drowned my voice, and I feared that no one could hear me above the din. A strong sea was running, although the sun shone brightly. We were evidently somewhere in the Channel, but from my porthole I could see no land. Again and again I battered furiously, until of a sudden I heard gruff voices, and the door was unlocked and opened cautiously, disclosing two rough-looking bronzed seamen, dark-bearded and dressed in patched and faded dungareen. "Well, mister," exclaimed the elder of the two, "what's the fuss?" "No fuss at all," I responded. "I only want to be let out." "No doubt," he responded, with a grin at his companion. "You'd like a breath of fresh air--eh?" "Yes, I should." "But sea-air ain't good for your constitution mister, so you'll have to stop here. You've got a cabin all to yourself, so what more do you want? Perhaps you'd like a bloomin' saloon?" "Look here, my man," I said, as calmly as I could, "just do me a favour and ask your captain to step down here. I'd like to speak to him before the farce proceeds further. You're only obeying orders by locking me up here, of that I'm sure. But just tell the captain that I'm better, and want to have a word with him." Both men looked somewhat surprised. "We were goin' to have a look at you in a few minutes, and see whether you'd come to, if you hadn't have kicked up such a confounded row." "Well, go and tell the captain I want to see him," I said, endeavouring to smile. "All right, sir, I will," answered the man; "but I'll have to lock the door again." "Very well," I laughed. "Only don't starve me, remember." The situation seemed humorous. Both men grinned broadly; the door was closed, and I heard one remark to the other in true cockney English-- "'E ain't such a vi'lent fellow, after all, Bill." Five minutes later the door was again opened, and a burly, full-bearded, black-eyed man in a pea-jacket and peaked cap entered the cabin. "You are the captain, I presume?" I said. "That's me," he answered, leaning against the wooden partition opposite my bunk. "Well," I said, "I'd like to know by what right you lock me up here? I've been unconscious for a long time, and on coming to myself, I find I'm here onboard your ship at sea, imprisoned, and not allowed out." "You're in here for the benefit of your health," he answered roughly. "A sea voyage'll do you good." "Then perhaps you'll tell me the name of the ship on board which I'm taking this pleasure trip?" I said sarcastically. "Better find that out."