Of course, I had only swooned; and was insensible to what was passing around me. I did not see the rough heads as they reappeared over the edge of the hatch frame, and again reconnoitre me with looks of alarm. I did not see that one of them at length took courage, and leaped down upon the top of the cargo, followed by another and then another, until several stood bending over me, uttering a volley of conjectures and exclamatory phrases. I did not feel them as they tenderly raised me in their arms, and kindly felt my pulse, and placed their huge rough hands over my heart to see whether it was still beating with life--no more did I feel the big sailor who lifted me up against his breast and held me there, and then, after a short ladder had been obtained and placed in the hatchway, carried me up out of the hold and laid me carefully on the quarter-deck: I heard nothing, I saw nothing, I felt nothing, till a shock, as if of cold water dashed in my face, once more aroused me from my trance, and told me that I still lived. CHAPTER SIXTY FIVE. THE DENOUEMENT. When I came to my senses again, I saw that I was lying upon the deck. A crowd was gathered around, and look in what direction I might, my eyes rested upon faces. They were rude faces, but I noticed no unkindly expression in any one of them. On the contrary, I perceived looks of pity, and heard words of sympathy. They were the sailors--the whole crew was around me. One was bending over my face, pouring water into my lips, and cooling my temples with a wet cloth. I knew this man at the first glance. It was Waters--he who had carried me ashore, and presented me with my precious knife. Little knowledge could he have at the time of the great service it was to do-- and had since done--me. "Waters," said I, "do you remember me?" He started at my words, uttering, as he did so, a sailor's exclamation of surprise. "Shiver my timbers!" was the phrase. "Shiver my timbers! if 'tain't the little marlin-spike as boarded us a-port!" "Him as wanted to go a seelorin?" cried several in a breath. "The same, for sartin'." "Yes," I answered, "it is; I am the same." Another volley of ejaculations followed, and then there was a momentary silence. "Where is the captain?" I asked. "Waters, will you take me to the captain?" "You wish to see the capten? he's here, my lad," answered the big sailor, in a kind tone; and then, stretching out his arm, he made an opening in the ring that encircled me. I glanced through this opening. I saw the same well-dressed man whom I had before recognised as the captain. He was only a few yards off, standing in front of the door of his cabin. I looked in his face. The expression was stern, but yet it did not awe me. I fancied it was a look that would relent. I hesitated for a moment what course to pursue, and then, summoning all my energy, I rose to my feet, tottered forward, and knelt down before him. "Oh, sir!" I cried, "you can never forgive me!"