“What’s all this?” cried a half-drunken sailor, as he pulled out all the bags; and then, seizing Matt by the leg, hauled him out. “Let me alone!” screamed Matt, half frightened out of his wits; for he was afraid the seaman would knock his brains out. “What are you doing in there, my little biscuit-nibbler?” demanded the old salt, as he tossed him rather roughly upon the deck. “I’m not doing any thing,” cried Matt. “You want to go to sea without paying your passage, do you? Well, my hearty, we always drown such youngsters; and overboard you shall go,” said the sailor. But it was plain enough to his companions that he was only trying to frighten the boy; and he was succeeding very well in his attempt. In a few moments more, Lon was dragged out in the same way; but he did not yell as Matt had done. He was more disposed to show fight; and he put the toe of his shoe into the shin of the man who held him. The seaman dropped him like a hot potato, and Lon rushed out of the house to the deck. Matt followed his example as soon as he could. They went forward, and then stowed themselves away under the topgallant forecastle. Matt had held on to his bundle of provision. The watch on deck did not see them, and they soon found a safe place. They ate their supper, and after a while went to sleep on the hard planks of the deck; for both of them were very tired after the fatigues of the day and the preceding night. The last lot of sailors who had come into the house were the mate’s watch; and, as they had to be on duty from twelve at night, and were all more or less tipsy, they turned in without troubling themselves any further about the boys. It was too cold for boys who had been used to a good bed in the house to sleep out in the open air, without even an overcoat to cover them. Before it was time for the mid-watch to come on deck, both of them were awake and shivering with the cold, though it was an August night. Matt declared that he could not stand it any longer, and he was going out on deck, even if they had to be sent on shore for it. Lon was glad enough to do the same thing, though he was not willing to be the first to propose it. The sailors of the captain’s watch saw them as soon as they appeared; and they were reported to the second mate, who had charge of the captain’s watch. “I know the captain, and it will be all right,” said Lon, as soon as they had told their story to the second mate. “He was out on deck a few moments ago, and I am sure he hasn’t turned in yet. You will find him in the cabin. By the way, are you some of the passengers that are expected to come on board off here somewhere?” “I didn’t know we were expected,” replied Lon. The second mate showed them into the cabin. Of course Capt. Crogick was intensely astonished, and not at all delighted, to see them. The son of Capt. Trustleton must not see Mr. Wallgood when he came on board. But he gave them a state-room, and left the matter for the morning to decide. CHAPTER XXV.