futilely about,
ever seeking something he might do and ever failing to find it. He
pottered. He would stand and stare at one rope for a minute or so at a
time, following it aloft with his eyes through the maze of ropes and
stabs and gears with all the intentness of a man working out an intricate
problem. Then, holding his hand against his stomach, he would lumber on
a few steps and select another rope for study.

"Oh dear, oh dear," Mr. Pike lamented. "How can one drive with bosuns
like that and a crew like that? Just the same, if I was captain of this
ship I'd drive 'em. I'd show 'em what drive was, if I had to lose a few
of them. And when they grow weak off the Horn what'll we do? It'll be
both watches all the time, which will weaken them just that much the
faster."

Evidently this winter passage of the Horn is all that one has been led to
expect from reading the narratives of the navigators. Iron men like the
two mates are very respectful of "Cape Stiff," as they call that
uttermost tip of the American continent. Speaking of the two mates, iron-
made and iron-mouthed that they are, it is amusing that in really serious
moments both of them curse with "Oh dear, oh dear."

In the spells of calm I take great delight in the little rifle. I have
already fired away five thousand rounds, and have come to consider myself
an expert. Whatever the knack of shooting may be, I've got it. When I
get back I shall take up target practice. It is a neat, deft sport.

Not only is Possum afraid of the sails and of rats, but he is afraid of
rifle-fire, and at the first discharge goes yelping and ki-yi-ing below.
The dislike Mr. Pike has developed for the poor little puppy is
ludicrous. He even told me that if it were his dog he'd throw it
overboard for a target. Just the same, he is an affectionate,
heart-warming little rascal, and has already crept so deep into my heart
that I am glad Miss West did not accept him.

And--oh!--he insists on sleeping with me on top the bedding; a proceeding
which has scandalized the mate. "I suppose he'll be using your
toothbrush next," Mr. Pike growled at me. But the puppy loves my
companionship, and is never happier than when on the bed with me. Yet
the bed is not entirely paradise, for Possum is badly frightened when
ours is the lee side and the seas pound and smash against the glass
ports. Then the little beggar, electric with fear to every hair tip,
crouches and snarls menacin