The Castaways

ured something about being glad to make my acquaintance, and forthwith addressed himself with avidity to the plate of soup which one of the stewards placed before him.

Presently, having finished his soup, the general leaned forward and stared hard at me for a moment. Then he remarked:

"Excuse me, Conyers--it is no use being formal, when we are about to be cooped up together on board ship for the next two months, is it?--are you the man that got so shockingly hacked about at the capture of that piratical slaver, the--the--hang it all, I've forgotten her name now?"

"If you refer to the Preciosa, I must plead guilty to the soft impeachment," answered I.

"Ah!" he exclaimed, "hang me if I didn't think so when I heard your name, and saw that scar across your forehead. Wonderfully plucky thing to do, sir; as plucky a thing, I think, as I ever heard of! I must get you to tell me all about it, some time or another--here, steward, hang it all, man, this sherry is corked! Bring me an