Mr. Sampson, who had shipped as boat-steerer, the same that had rescued old Nep from drowning, lifted Harry in his arms, and carrying him below, laid him in his own hammock, where he also brought the dog, who was apparently lifeless, and laid him by his side.  It was a long time before Harry was restored to consciousness, and when he had gained strength sufficient to raise himself upon one arm, he looked around in the darkness, perfectly bewildered; but as the remembrance of his situation slowly came to him, he called aloud, in agony of spirit, “Nep! poor drowned Neptune!” tossing upon his hammock, his arm came in contact with the creature’s shaggy coat.  Could it be Nep? rescued from the inhuman treatment of the captain? but he did not move! was he alive?  Harry sprang from his bed, and making his way in the darkness he knew not whither, finally found himself in the captain’s state-room, which was unoccupied, and seizing a candle, reached his hammock just as Mr. Sampson returned.

“Man alive! where did you get that light?” asked Sampson, apparently much terrified.

“O, sir, I took the first one I could find, for I must see if my poor Neptune is dead!” and he bent over him, smoothing his head, calling loudly, “Neptune! poor Neptune!” Sampson, recognizing the silver candlestick as belonging in the captain’s state-room, hastened to return it, knowing well what the consequences would be, if that dignitary discovered that any one had dared to enter his room without orders; and giving Harry a few friendly hints, as to what his liberties would be, under their commander, he drew out a mysterious looking bottle from his jacket-sleeve, and diluting a small quantity of its contents, gave it to Harry to drink, which in his weak condition did not come amiss.  Turning to the dog, the kind old tar commenced rubbing him vigorously, bathing his cold limbs with the spirit, glancing occasionally at the gangway, to see who might darken the descent.  The dog at last gave signs of life, and to Harry’s great joy, he looked up and recognized his master, Sampson assuring him, in his rough way, that the old fellow would soon be as good as new.

It was the last watch in the morning, and Harry, hearing loud voices on deck, ventured out.  It was a clear, cold morning, the moon had gone down, and Venus was just rising in the east; on every side was the blue rolling water.  They had left Nantucket miles behind.  Sampson, who was on duty, seeing the boy looking out, as if he had come to the conclusion that the island had been submerged, shook out a reef in the line which he was making fast, that he might catch the boy’s ear, and pointing to a dim light far down in the distant horizon, he remarked, “Look well, it’s old Sankoty; I’m thinking you’ll have seen different days when you make her again.”

“Halloo, there, aft!” called out the captain; “has that kitten got to mewing?  Bear a hand there, and square your mizzen topsail,” added he, a tone of mockery.