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“But you’re having fresh food,” he said.

“No, sir, begging your pardon,” said Coleman. “Only salt beef and hard bread.”

Dr. Hamilton looked at the master-at-arms.

“That’s been their victuals, sir. Mr. Parkin’s orders.”

“I see,” the surgeon replied. “I’ll look into the matter. Perhaps it can be arranged.”

We thanked him warmly, and he went on deck again.

It was plain from the events of that morning that Parkin’s treatment of us had been without the knowledge of the captain or of Dr. Hamilton. Edwards was willing to be ignorant of the lieutenant’s cruelty, but from that day forth Dr. Hamilton made us frequent visits. We were never again compelled to lie in our own filth, and our food was the same as that given to the seamen of the Pandora.

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One morning early in May, Stewart and I were freed from our leg irons and conducted to the place used as the sick-bay on the lower deck. We found Dr. Hamilton awaiting us in the passageway outside. He said nothing, but motioned us to enter. We went in, not knowing what to expect, and the door was closed behind us. Tehani and Peggy were there, with our little daughters.