CHAPTER VI.

THE JANSON IN THE OFFING.





AFTER several days' suffering for want of wafer and fatigue of
labor, several of the crew were reported upon the sick-list. Manuel,
who had borne his part nobly and cheerfully, was among the number;
and his loss was more severely felt, having done a double duty, and
succeeded, as far as the means were at hand, in making everybody on
board comfortable. He had attended upon those who gave up first,
like a good nurse, ready at the call, whether night or day, and with
a readiness that seemed pleasure to him. From the captain to the
little boy Tommy, his loss was felt with regret; and the latter
would often go into the forecastle where he lay, lean over him with
a child-like simplicity, and smooth his forehead with his little
hand. "Manuel! I wish poor Manuel was well!" he would say, and again
he would lay his little hand on his head and smooth his hair. He
would whisper encouragement in his ear; and having learned a
smattering of Portuguese, would tell him how soon they would be in
port, and what pleasant times they would have together.

On the 21st they descried land, which proved to be Stono, about
twenty-five miles south of Charleston. Tommy announced the news to
Manuel, which seemed to cheer him up. His sickness was evidently