Then he remembered the "punishment
cell," and descended the ladder, shrugging
his shoulders. Life is pretty much the same
everywhere, it seemed; ugly, putrid, infested with
vermin, full of shameful secrets and dark corners.
Still, life is life, and he must make the best of it.
In a few minutes the sailor came back with
something in his hands which Arthur could not
distinctly see for the darkness.
"Now, give me the watch and money. Make
haste!"
Taking advantage of the darkness, Arthur succeeded
in keeping back a few coins.
"You must get me something to eat," he said;
"I am half starved."
"I've brought it. Here you are." The sailor
handed him a pitcher, some hard biscuit, and a
piece of salt pork. "Now mind, you must hide
in this empty barrel, here, when the customs officers
come to examine to-morrow morning. Keep
as still as a mouse till we're right out at sea. I'll
let you know when to come out. And won't you
just catch it when the captain sees you--that's
all! Got the drink safe? Good-night!"
The hatchway closed, and Arthur, setting the
precious "drink" in a safe place, climbed on to an
oil barrel to eat his pork and biscuit.
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