"No, I don't, Bob," replied I. "Well, I'm sorry to hear you say that, Mr Keene; I thought you had a kinder heart." "So I have, Bob; but I'll tell you a secret, known only to the first lieutenant and me; and that is, Tommy's in the coal-hole, very dirty, but quite safe." Bob Cross burst into a fit of laughing, which lasted some time. "Well, Mr Keene, you have really taken a weight off my mind; now tell me all about it. You know I'm safe." I then told Bob what had happened, and of Tommy's intention to make his appearance on the following evening or the next morning. "Well," said Bob, "you're mischief itself, Master Keene, and that's a fact; however, it's all right this time, and you have the captain and first lieutenant as your confidants and partners in the joke. You did perfectly right and I'm sure the captain and first lieutenant must be pleased with you; but recollect, Master Keene, keep your distance as before; don't presume." "Never fear, Bob," replied I: "but now I have told you that, I want you to assist me." I then repeated the conversation of Mr Culpepper with the second lieutenant. "Now," continued I; "you see, Cross, I can't do anything myself; Mr Culpepper hates me, and would suspect me; but if we could only frighten him: you might, for he would not think you were playing him a trick." "I see," replied Bob; "it will be a good thing for Tommy Dott, and a nice wind-up of this affair. Let me alone. When I come on board to-morrow evening I'll manage it if I can." After a little more conversation, we separated for the night. The next morning the captain came on board. He remained on deck with the first lieutenant for some minutes, during which of course, he was made acquainted with Tommy Dott's position. When he came down into the cabin, I moved from my seat, as respectful and serious as before; and when ordered to sit down again, resumed my studies with great apparent diligence. He did not say a word to me about Tommy Dott; and as he was going out of the cabin, Mr Culpepper was announced by the sentry. "If you please, Captain Delmar," said Mr Culpepper, with his usual profound bow, "what are we to do with the effects of Mr Dott, who has fallen overboard? By the regulations of the service, they should be sold before the mast. And I also wish to know whether he is to be continued to be victualled, or whether it is your pleasure that he is discharged as dead?" The captain smiled, and turned his face towards me; but I continued with my eyes down on my book. "Perhaps we had better wait till to-morrow, Mr Culpepper," replied the captain, "and then you may sell his effects, and put DD to his name, poor fellow." And having made this reply, the captain went out of his cabin. Mr Culpepper followed; and shortly afterwards the captain went on shore again. Before dusk, the captain's gig, as usual, returned on board, and I was at the gangway to meet Bob Cross; the boat was hoisted up, and then Bob came to me.