ckered.

"I guess you'll do, my lad," exclaimed Mr. Duff in high good humor.
"Come with me and I will show you what the doctor is. Bludson, have
that peak block on the foresail gaff slung a little higher. I think
she will hoist easier."

"Aye, aye, sir," returned the boatswain, while Ralph, following the
mate, again descended to the cabin.

The cabin was roomy, well carpeted, and contained a stationary table
through the center of which ran the mainmast of the schooner. At the
stern were two staterooms; one for the captain and the other for the
two mates. Lockers and drawers were scattered about, and a mirror with
a picture or two was attached to the walls.

On a cushioned seat at one side lay a large white cat.

"That's Doctor," said the mate. "He's a great pet, and while you are
aft you must see that he wants for nothing."

The mate showed Ralph a small closet where were sundry brooms, brushes
and other implements for cleaning up.

"As you are to be cabin boy, for a while at least," said Mr. Duff, "you
might as well begin by tidying up the cabin a bit. We want to have
things shipshape by the time the captain comes aboard."

For an hour or so Ralph busied himself accordingly, until a commotion
on deck led him to look out at one of the stateroom windows.

CHAPTER XII.

The Curlew Puts to Sea.

These windows were mere bullseye affairs, swinging on pivots.

Pushing one open, Ralph saw a four oared boat pulling rapidly for the
schooner. Presently he heard the rattle of oars under the vessel's
side, and an order or two issued by the second mate.

He hastened up the companionway just in time to see Mr. Duff saluting
Captain Gary and Mr. Rucker as they came over the side, passing between
several seamen drawn up on either side of the gangway. The first mate
cast an eye aloft and to seaward, while the captain walked so quickly
down the companionway that he nearly overturned Ralph.

"What do you mean?" exclaimed Gary, flinging the lad roughly aside.
"Have you no manners?"

He disappeared in the cabin whither Ralph followed dumbfounded at this
unlooked for exhibition of temper on the part of his hitherto placid
superior.

The captain was flinging down some papers on the table. Looking up he
recognized Ralph for the first time.

"That you, Ralph?" he said, banishing a scowl in a smile that had no
mirth in it. "Was it you outside?"

"Yes, sir."

"I did not know it was you. But we learn to lo