The only light let into the vessel was through a bulls-eye in the deck, so that at first I thought I was shut up in darkness. As, however, my sight got accustomed to the glimmer, I discovered a fiddle and bow hung up against the bulkhead. "Come," thought I, "I'll show the froggies that, though they may shut me up, they can't damp my spirits in a hurry," and seizing the instrument, I struck up an Irish jig. It was the most jolly tune I could recollect, and seldom failed to move the heels of all who heard it. I played away for some time without any notice being taken of my music; then I heard one fellow begin to shuffle away overhead, and then another, and presently it appeared as if the whole crew were toeing and heeling it in fine style. Then there were loud fits of laughter; and afterwards the slide was withdrawn and the skipper descended into the cabin. "Vell, you are, _bon garcon_, one merry fellow," he said, laughing. "You make good use of my violin." "I am fond of music, and play when I can," I answered in an indifferent tone; "but I'm tired now, and intend to go to sleep." "Well, but I have come to take you on deck to play to my people," said he. "They are pleased with you, and it will be better for you if you do." "What! you ask me to play for the amusement of the men who have been ill-treating my shipmates, and murdering them, for what I know to the contrary," I answered, indignantly. "No! I played for my own amusement, and do not intend to play any more." "Your shipmates attacked us first; and besides, my little man, we have not murdered them, or done them much harm either, except depriving them of your company, and of a few muskets and pistols," he answered. "Take my advice: be as obliging as you can; they will be civil to you in return." "Well, monsieur, I believe you are right," I replied. "If they really have not hurt my brother officer and our men, I will fiddle for them as long as they like."