lee-scuppers, where he saved himself from going overboard only by
clinging to a stanchion.

The second mate, a burly old salt, ran to his assistance, but,
before he reached him, our hero had recovered himself, and was
making another attempt to reach his coppers. It seemed to him as
much a pending necessity to save the cooking apparatus as it did the
captain to save the ship.

"He no catch me dis time," said he to the mate, smiling as he lifted
his drenched head from among the fragments of the wreck. "I fix a de
coffee in him yet, please God."

After securing the remains of his cooking utensils, he might be seen
busily employed over a little stove, arranged at the foot of the
stairs that led to the cabin. The smoke from the funnel several
times annoyed the captain, who laboured under the excitement
consequent upon the confusion of the wreck and peril of his vessel,
bringing forth remonstrances of no very pleasant character. It
proved that the good steward was considering how he could best serve
Jack's necessities; and while they were laboring to save the ship,
lie was studiously endeavoring to anticipate the craving of their
stomachs. For when daylight appeared and the storm subsided, the
steward had a bountiful dish of hot coffee to relieve Jack's
fatigued system. It was received with warm welcome, and many
blessings were heaped upon the head of the steward; A good "doctor"
is as essential for the interests of owners and crew as a good
captain. So it proved in this instance, for while he had a careful
regard for the stores, he never failed to secure the praises of the
crew.