him. To satisfy him, therefore, he
was taken into the captain's watch.

"There are only eight berths in the cabin, boys, and you must draw lots
for them," continued the master; "but they are all wide enough to hold
two each. Now, if you want to pair off, you can do so."

Lots were drawn, and Paul and Henry were to occupy the same berth. Again
John found himself thrown out of the calculation; but the captain said
he would make a bed for him on a locker, and he was satisfied. The boys
then went below to see their berths, which had all been numbered for the
occasion.

CHAPTER XVI.

PAUL WITNESSES A MUTINY.

When the Flyaway had passed Farm Island, and reached the fishing ground,
she lay to, for the purpose of enabling the crew to catch a few cod and
haddock, for the chowder and fry. But cod and haddock are singularly
obstinate at times, and persistently refuse to appreciate the angler's
endeavors in their behalf. They were so on the present occasion, and it
was two hours before the chief of the culinary department could say
there were enough to satisfy the ravenous appetites of the sixteen
persons on board. Some of the boys had actually decided that fishing was
a nuisance, but they were just as fond of chowder as those who enjoyed
the fun even of catching only one fish per hour.

As fast as they were caught, Dick dressed them and prepared them for the
chowder pot or the frying pan. There were some queer fish caught,
including quite a number of sculpins, "a wolfer eel,"--so Captain
Briskett called him,--and a large catfish. The latter was an ugly
monster, having dangerous-looking teeth, with which he laid hold of
everything that came in his way. There was also in the collection a
large skate, or ray, which called forth some rather large fish stories
from the two experienced skippers on board.

As the culinary department was now supplied, the yacht stood away for
Gloucester, which was to be her first port. They had a fine wind, and
before the chowder was ready, the Flyaway was in sight of the Reef of
Norman's Woe.

"Dinner is ready," said Dick, at last, for the stomachs of the boys had
been in a state of rebellion for two hours.

There was a grand rush for the cabin; but, to the astonishment of the
hungry crew, Captain Gordon placed himself at the companion way, and
would not permit a single one of them to go below.

"That's not the way to do on board ship," said he. "Are you all going
below at once?"