heard was the watchman, who roused up to call out, "Who's there?" and
then he shot a sharp ray of light from his lantern right into the hole.
It was very lucky for me that I was so low, for the light went over my
head, and he saw nothing of me, my dark clothes making no mark against
the ship's black hull.

My head was cool enough now, and my heart steady, and I listened with an
intensity that postponed fear, though my predicament was not a pleasant
one, and the rippling water below me was confusing.

The suspense was no doubt shorter than it seemed, before the light
disappeared, and with a thankful heart I distinctly heard the watchman
flop down again among the cotton-bales. Then I drew myself up over the
edge and crept noiselessly into the ship. I took care to creep beyond
reach of the lantern, and then the swaying of the vessel made me feel so
giddy that I had to lie still for a while where I was, before I could
recover myself enough to feel about for a suitable hiding-place.

As I afterwards learnt, I was on the lower deck, which was being used
for cargo instead of passengers. The said cargo seemed so tightly
packed, that in spite of creeping, and groping, and knocking myself
pretty hard, I could feel no nook or corner to my mind. Then I turned
giddy again and reeled against the door of a cabin, which gave way so
far as to let me fall inwards on to a heap of old sails, ropes, and
other softish ship lumber stowed away within. As I fell my hand struck
something warm, which I fancied gave a writhe out of my grasp. I groped
and seized it again, and now there was no mistake. It was somebody's
arm, who said in a quick undertone, "Gently, gently, sirs; I'm coming
along with ye. I'll gie ye my word I'm after no harm."