Chapter 1. The Indiaman
_ CHAPTER ONE. THE INDIAMAN
"Well, Thudicumb, I hope by noon we may at last get a glimpse of the sun," said Captain Davenport to his first officer, as they walked the deck of the _Bussorah Merchant_, homeward bound from the East Indies, and at that time rolling on over the long heaving seas of the Atlantic. The sky was overcast, but ever and anon a gleam of light burst forth amid the clouds, playing on the foaming crest of a wave. It was blowing hard, but had evidently been blowing much harder, of which fact the condition of the Indiaman gave evidence. A portion of the starboard bulwarks were stove in, one of her quarter boats was shattered, and other slight damages were visible.
"We must be ready for him, sir, at all events," said the first officer, looking at his watch. "It is not far off noon now."
"Tell Oliver to bring me my sextant," said the captain, as the mate descended from the poop into his cabin.
Mr Thudicumb soon returned, bringing

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