I obeyed the order gladly enough, slinking away into the black shadows forward, realizing my good fortune, and seeking some spot where I could be alone.

The result was all that I could have hoped for; my position on board was assured; my story had been accepted without awakening the slightest suspicion; and it was perfectly clear that no one on board the _Namur_ possessed the slightest memory of the personal appearance of the poor fellow who had been thrown overboard, and drowned.

Even Haines believed me to be the man.

Of course I should be watched to some extent for a few days, my willingness to serve noted, and my ability as a seaman put to the test; but in this I had nothing to fear.

I could play the assumed character with little danger of any mishap.