of wood-work, a few inches from the floor. These were the "snug berths" and were all fixed athwart ship; one only (the ninth) being placed fore and aft. They were so "snug," that if Smith happened to fall sick, and such disagreeables do happen at sea occasionally, Jones would be a sufferer as well; and if Jones, turning round in his bunk, should tickle Brown's nose with the tassel of his night-cap, and Brown, thus startled, and throwing his arms abroad should find one of his fingers seized between Robinson's teeth; certain explanations would be needed, and the "snug" cabin would be in an uproar.
Slinger was advised by the steward to take the fore-and-aft berth, which was unoccupied, and he chalked his name on the side in conspicuous characters, feeling, whilst doing so, as if he were writing an inscription upon his own coffin. Hugh, in the mean time, had taken formal possession of one of the bunks, and to put his right beyond doubt, was stretched in it full length, enjoying the luxury of a pipe.
Hugh groped his way upon deck just in time to witness the arrival on board of a very stout, over-dressed, coarse-looking personage, who was accompanied by his wife, a feminine edition of her lord: he was superintending the reception of his luggage from a large flat-bottomed boat crowded with huge boxes and deal cases. "Get up the pianner first," he said, pointing to an oblong case of considerable dimensions, "and then all the furniter." — "That keg contains ammunition, put it as far away from my cabing as possible, will you, mate? " he said, to Mr. Moriarty who was at hand; "and just see them eight boxes put in my place, will you?" which directions were all given with great pomposity of manner.
"Your cabin," said the mate, in a respectful tone, "will not contain one half of that luggage; the regulations of the ship do not permit passengers to usurp the place of her officers either, Sir."
