`` And in the meantime , '' says he , `` keep your heart up . You 're not the only one , I 'll tell you that . There 's many a man hoeing tobacco over-seas that should be mounting his horse at his own door at home ; many and many ! And life is all a variorum , at the best . Look at me : I 'm a laird 's son and more than half a doctor , and here I am , man-Jack to Hoseason ! '' I thought it would be civil to ask him for his story . He whistled loud . `` Never had one , '' said he . `` I like fun , that 's all . '' And he skipped out of the forecastle . CHAPTER VIII THE ROUND-HOUSE One night , about eleven o'clock , a man of Mr. Riach 's watch -LRB- which was on deck -RRB- came below for his jacket ; and instantly there began to go a whisper about the forecastle that `` Shuan had done for him at last . '' There was no need of a name ; we all knew who was meant ; but we had scarce time to get the idea rightly in our heads , far less to speak of it , when the scuttle was again flung open , and Captain Hoseason came down the ladder . He looked sharply round the bunks in the tossing light of the lantern ; and then , walking straight up to me , he addressed me , to my surprise , in tones of kindness . `` My man , '' said he , `` we want ye to serve in the round-house . You and Ransome are to change berths . Run away aft with ye . '' Even as he spoke , two seamen appeared in the scuttle , carrying Ransome in their arms ; and the ship at that moment giving a great sheer into the sea , and the lantern swinging , the light fell direct on the boy 's face . It was as white as wax , and had a look upon it like a dreadful smile . The blood in me ran cold , and I drew in my breath as if I had been struck . `` Run away aft ; run away aft with ye ! ''
cried XXXXX .
Hoseason Ransome Riach Shuan VIII forecastle laird o'clock over-seas round-house