o details. I want to consult
with you in regard to certain matters."

And while the captain and manager sought a quiet corner, where they
might converse, and go over the plot of the great marine drama, Alice
and Ruth wandered about the ship. The sailors who were fitting her out
looked curiously at the girls as they went to and fro. Mr. DeVere found
a sheltered spot where he said he would wait until Mr. Pertell was
finished with the captain.

"Does your throat pain you much?" asked Alice solicitously.

"Oh, not as much as I expected, coming so near the water. I think it
will be all right. Don't worry."

"Isn't it perfectly wonderful, to think we're going to be on board this
schooner!" exclaimed Alice to her sister. "And are we going to sleep
here and eat here, Jack?" she asked, as the old sailor came toward them.

"Well, Miss, if you goes on a voyage you can't walk off th' ship
whenever you want to, you know, to get a berth, and some grub. I mean
something to eat and a place to sleep," he quickly translated. "You has
to stay right on board until the voyage ends."

"Oh, and could we see where we sleep?" asked Ruth.

"The staterooms? Yes, of course," said Captain Brisco, who with Mr.
Pertell came forward just then. "Jepson, take the ladies below. If
you're a sailor you don't need to be told the way."

"No, sir," was the respectful answer. Jack seemed to have acquired new
dignity since coming aboard; and it was noticeable, a little later, that
he took more pains with his talk, being more grammatical, and
pronouncing his words better, as befitted a mate.

"And I want to see where they do the cooking," remarked Ruth. "What is
it they call it--the alley?"

"The galley," corrected Alice. "Don't you remember?"

"Oh, yes, so it is. What a funny name for a kitchen."

"This way," directed Jack, as he started for the companionway. Meanwhile
Mr. Pertell and Captain Brisco having settled on certain details, called
Mr. DeVere into consultation, since that actor was to have a prominent
part in the scenes that would take place aboard the ship.

Jack Jepson led his two pretty charges below, where some men were also
at work. They inspected the sleeping quarters, the galley and other
parts of the ship. Then, at the suggestion of Alice they penetrated to
the men's quarters--the forecastle, or "fo'cas'l," as Jack pronounced
it, sailor-fashion.

As they passed two carpenters doing some "patch-work," Jack paused and
looked clos