Good-night."
He left the skipper pondering over his last words, and dubiously eyeing
the piece of furniture in question. Nor did he retire until he had
subjected it to an analysis of the most searching description, and then,
leaving the lamp burning, he sprang hastily in, and forgot his troubles
in sleep.
It was day when he awoke, and went on deck to find a heavy sea running,
and just sufficient sail set to keep the schooner's head before the wind
as she bobbed about on the waters. An exclamation from the skipper, as a
wave broke against the side and flung a cloud of spray over him, brought
the mate's head round.
"Why, you ain't going to get up?" he said, in tones of insincere
surprise.
"Why not?" inquired the other gruffly.
"You go and lay down agin," said the mate, "and have a cup o' nice hot
tea an' some toast."
"Clear out," said the skipper, making a dash for the wheel, and reaching
it as the wet deck suddenly changed its angle. "I know you didn't like
being woke up, Dick; but I got the horrors last night. Go below and turn
in."
"All right," said the mollified mate.
"You didn't see anything?" inquired the skipper, as he took the wheel
from him.
"Nothing at all," said the other.
The skipper shook his head thoughtfully, then shook it again vigorously,
as another shower-bath put its head over the side and saluted him.
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