ON SHORT ALLOWANCE. 173

«The steward reports that the supply of water is very
low, sir,’ the young captain said, when the first officer
was near him. “We will allowance all hands, in the
cabin as well as forecastle, to one quart per day.”

“Very well, I will attend to it,” Bean replied, promptly,
and then asked, hesitatingly, «May I inquire how low the
supply is, sir?”

«The steward reports only an hundred and fifty gallons.
I cannot fancy how it decreased so suddenly; but you
had better take good care that what is left cannot be
gotten at by the crew.” .

Mr. Bean looked considerably puzzled, started to move
away, and then stepped back as if anxious to say some-
thing; but evidently thought better of it, for he turned
again immediately to carry out the captain’s orders, and
Miss Dunham said, in a low tone:

«“TfTe has seen something suspicious in the movements
of the crew, I am positive, and has been deliberating
whether he should tell you or not.”

“T reckon it'll come out if he’s got anything in his
noddle. It is his duty to report the first show of dissat-
isfaction or suspicious conduct on the part of the men,
instantly he sees it; therefore I prefer not to question
him.”

Two of the sailors were standing near the galley
when Mr. Bean announced to the steward the captain’s
orders relative to putting all hands on a short allowance
of water, and in less than five minutes such of the men
as were on deck could be seen conversing in couples here