When the boats arrived alongside the frigate, our captives, being unable to help themselves, were hoisted up like bales of goods, and made to stand on the deck in a line. They all looked sulky enough as the lantern was held up to their faces; but Hoolan's countenance wore a ferocious aspect, which made me think that it would have been as well to have left him on shore to be hanged, which in all probability would ultimately have been his fate. Mr Saunders had changed his rough dress for his proper uniform, and as he went round to inspect the prisoners Hoolan recognised him, and so savage did he look that I thought he would have sprung at his throat. "Are you the captain of the ship?" he asked in a fierce tone. "No, I'm not the captain, but an officer, who you'll be compelled to obey," answered Mr Saunders, interrupting him. "Keep down what was rising to your tongue, or it'll be the worse for you." "I'm no seaman, and I don't want to be after going to sea; and I beg you to tell me for what reason you knocked me down against the law?" "You were found among seamen, and if you're not one we'll make you one before long, my fine fellow," said the lieutenant. "Arrah, it'll be a hard matter to do that same," cried Hoolan, but he spoke in a less savage tone than at first. "We shall see to that," said Mr Saunders as he passed on to the other men, most of whom appeared quiet enough. Even Hoolan's followers didn't venture to say anything, having a just conception of the stern discipline on board a man-of-war. The execution of one or more seamen for frequent desertion, of which I have before spoken, showed them that they could not venture to play tricks with impunity. Having had their names,--or such as they chose to give,--ages, and other particulars entered, they were sent down to the main-deck under a strong guard, with a hint that should they exhibit the slightest degree of insubordination it would be the worse for them. The light of a lantern happened to fall on my face while I was passing Hoolan, who, with the rest, were seated on the deck, where they were to pass the remainder of the night. He started up, and glaring savagely at me, with a fierce oath exclaimed, as he stretched out his arm-- "There's one of the young traitors who brought us into this trouble. I wish we had strung you up to Saint Bridget's oak when we had you and your uncle in our power." "Then, as I thought, you are Dan Hoolan," I said. "You have now a chance of leading an honest life, and I'd advise you to take advantage of it." Hoolan, without replying, sank back on the deck. I was glad enough to turn in, and slept soundly till the hammocks were piped up next morning.