Still the other boat was at a considerable distance when night closed in. There was no change in the weather. The sky was clear and the stars shone out brilliantly; the watch was set, and all hands not on duty lay down to sleep, sheltering themselves as best they could under the thwarts, among the packages, or covering themselves up with cloaks, or pieces of sail-cloth or matting. Willy took the first watch. He felt not a little proud, as he sat in the stern-sheets, at being the only officer on duty. Strange sounds came across the ocean. He was sure that some were made by whales, as they rose to breathe at the surface. Now and then a splash was heard as some huge monster leaped out of the water. Suddenly a large flabby mass was dashed against his face, and at the same time several other dark objects sprang into the boat. "Hilloa!" cried the doctor, towards whom one of them had directed its course. "Who gave me that slap in the face? Ah, I see," he added, sitting up and lifting the flabby mass in his hand. "A _cephalopoda-sepia octopus_, commonly called a squid. The fellow nearly poked out my eye with his beak. What, Willy, were you assaulted too?" Willy, who had been almost knocked over by the blow from the creature, was just recovering himself. "It nearly drilled a hole in my nose," said Willy, laughing. "Well, never mind," exclaimed the doctor. "I wish only a few more would come on board. They are ugly beasts; but, fried in butter, will serve us for breakfast, and prove a better dish than salt pork. How many are there of them?" "Five or six, I think," said Willy. "Well, hand them to me, and I'll put a stop to their crawling propensities. They would frighten the ladies if they were to make their way into the cabin." The doctor had got out his knife, and was engaged in scientifically depriving the creatures of life. This done, they were stowed away in the stern-sheets. "A covey of flying-fish would have been more acceptable," observed the doctor, as he again composed himself to rest; "but they are not to be found in these latitudes." Two or three people, awakened by the doctor's voice, inquired what was the matter. "Only a few squids come on board to be cooked for breakfast," answered Willy. Those who had spoken, satisfied with the reply, were quickly again asleep.