"I saw him just before Captain Delmar came on board, sir, but I have not seen him since." "Well, well, we will settle accounts with the young gentleman as soon as he turns up," replied the captain: "you may go, Mr Keene." I perceived that the captain and first lieutenant both smiled as I left the cabin. It appeared that soon after they left it and the captain went on shore; but Tommy was so frightened that he remained in his hiding-place, as he made sure he would be flogged if he made his appearance, and he resolved to remain where he was until my return, that he might consult me. As soon as I had reported myself, and given the answer to the first lieutenant, I hastened to the cabin, and then poor Tommy crawled from under the table; the tears were still wet on his cheeks. "I shall be flogged, Keene, as sure as I stand here. Tell me, what can I do--what can I say?" "Tell the truth; that's the best way," replied I. "Tell the captain that I was hid under the table! that would never do." "Depend upon it, it's the best plan," replied I; "and it is the only advice I can give you: you may be flogged if you tell the truth, but you are _sure_ to be flogged if you tell a lie. It will only add to your offence." "Well, I've been thinking about it--I'm sure that Mr Hippesley will flog me if he catches me to-day or to-morrow; but if I remain hid for a day or two, they will really think that I have fallen overboard, and then they will say, `poor Tommy Dott,' and perhaps be so glad when I do make my appearance, that they will forgive me." "Yes," replied I, delighted at the idea; "I'm sure they will, if you do tell the truth when you appear again." "Then, that is what I'll do. The first lieutenant said that I might be in the spirit-room. Where shall I go to?" "Why," said I, "you must remain under the table till dark, and then you may easily slip down into the coal-hole, where it is so dark that they never will see you, even if they go down for coals. It is the only place I know of; stay there all to-morrow and next day, and come up in the evening; or the next morning perhaps will be better." "Well, it's a very good place," replied Tommy; "anything better than being flogged; but will you bring me something to eat and drink?" "Depend upon me, Tommy," replied I; "I'll contrive to bring you something every night." "Well, then, I'll do that," replied he. "Yes; and tell the truth when you come out," said I. "Yes, upon my honour I will;" and so saying, Tommy, hearing a noise, again dived under the cabin table. Soon afterwards I went out of the cabin. The first lieutenant beckoned me to him, and asked me where Mr Dott was, and I told him what had been arranged between us. He laughed very much, and said--