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Rh CHAPTER IV.

going below to pack up his "goods and chattels," Hugh found Slinger similarly employed. They had become very intimate during the voyage; and now the time for parting appeared drawing near, Hugh felt deeply the loss he should sustain in his messmate, who was about his own age, an intelligent, merry-hearted companion, and who only required his friendship to be put to the test to prove its disinterestedness and sincerity. As Hugh entered the cabin, Slinger said to him, in a dolorous voice,

"I'm going ashore."

"So am I," said Hugh:—"we'll go together after stowing away our traps."

"Confound the things," said Slinger; adding several rough articles of clothing to an already well-filled chest, and pressing down the cover with all his might:—"I wish I understood packing."

"Jump it in," said Hugh, "I'll help you:" and the two friends getting upon the top of the chest, performed some eccentric movements which, however, had the effect desired; for Slinger was soon enabled to close and lock it easily.

"By the bye," he said, "I quite forgot—but I have several hats in that same chest."

"Capital stuff for gun wads," said Hugh: and after a pause, "Do you know, Slinger, my dear fellow, I shall be very sorry to part from you—very sorry."

"Strange coincidence," said Slinger, "but it's the very thing I have been thinking of all day.—Must we part?—why must we? I've a little money—not much to be sure; and an