nine o'clock in the morning when Darrin awoke. He at once
realized how refreshed he was. His had been a close call, but fortunate
accident and his own strong body had pulled him through.

There on the floor were his rubber boots, on the locker his
underclothing, while on knobs against the cabin wall hung the garments
that comprised his uniform.

Rising, Dave was delighted to find himself still strong. Without ado he
drew off and tossed across the berth the coarse nightgown that some one
had put on him. Then he began to dress.

Everything was dry--indeed, laundered. These new Danes of the sea knew
how to be hospitable. So Darrin dressed, and, when he rang for hot water,
a steward appeared with the ship's barber, who aided in Darrin's toilet.
Before this had been finished Dr. Valpak thrust his head in to inquire:

"Do I intrude?"

"Only as a personage from the pages of 'Arabian Nights,' Doctor," Darrin
laughed. "Come in."

Not only did the doctor come in, but soon, also, a waiter, who set up a
small table made fast to the wall, and on it spread such a breakfast as
made Dave's heart rejoice.

Wind and sea had abated much. The broad "Rigsdak" now rode the water with
comparatively little roll. Dave sat down to enjoy his breakfast, and Dr.
Valpak soon withdrew.

Just after the finish of the meal the surgeon returned, bringing with him
this time the ship's master, one Kennor, who spoke with a strong accent.
Dave expressed his thanks for the fine care that had been given him.

"And you muss der mate meet," declared Captain Kennor, beaming. "He it
vass who show der light in your face, und den der noose was over you
drop."

So presently Dave followed these new friends to the deck, where he was
introduced to the mate. He also, through Dr. Valpak, thanked the sailor
who had cast the bucket-line overboard. The seaman who had dropped the
noose around him spoke English fluently. Dave shook hands with both
sailors. He then followed Captain Kennor and the mate to the bridge.

"You carry only freight?" Dave asked.

"Somedimes passengers," replied Captain Kennor. "Two we have dis time. An
English lawyer und hiss young vife."

The pair just mentioned were seen walking on the spar deck forward. The
man was well past middle age, of fine, rather sharp features and with
thick gray hair. The woman did not appear to be above the age of
twenty-five.

Captain Kennor escorted Dave down and introduced him to Mr. and Mrs.
Caleb Laun