He had a little box, about the size of a small dressing-case, and secured with a lock, in which he kept his papers and stationery.

This box, of course, he could not keep in his bag or hammock, for, in either case, he would only be able to get at it once in the twenty-four hours.

It was necessary to have it accessible at all times.

So when not using it, he was obliged to hide it out of sight, where he could.

And of all places in the world, a ship of war, above her _hold_, least abounds in secret nooks.