Never had a more boisterous or uproarious day been spent at sea than that which celebrated the close of the World War on the old Hector, even though the Armistice had been signed two months previously.
A few days later, a whale was sighted and the spirits of every one rose as three boats were lowered, Captain Edwards himself going in one. But despite every effort, not one of the boats succeeded in getting near the whale until after a long and heart-breaking chase. Then Cap’n Pem got fast, but before the other boats could come near, the iron drew and the thoroughly frightened whale disappeared. Crestfallen, the three boats returned to the bark and once more, yards were squared and the Hector plunged northwards on her course. Then followed day after day of light, baffling winds and an oil-like sea upon which the Hector rolled lazily with canvas slatting idly against the masts and with barely enough motion to give her steerage way.
Lolling upon the decks on the fourth day of the sweltering calm, the boys were gazing idly at the lofty trucks as they slowly swung to and fro across the cloudless sky, when Tom suddenly jerked himself upright and stared fixedly at the fore royal yard.
“Gee, it is!” he ejaculated. “Look, Jim, isn’t that a bo’sun bird up on the fore royal yard, close to the mast?”
Jim peered at the spot indicated and for a moment could see nothing. Then a slight movement caught his eye and he made out the snowy plumage and long tail feathers of the bird.
“You’re right!” he assured Tom. “It’s another bo’sun all right. Funny no one else has seen it.”
“No one’s looked aloft,” replied Tom. “They’re all busy on deck and even Cap’n Pem hasn’t bothered watching the sails, it’s been so calm.”
“Well, don’t let’s tell any one,” whispered Jim. “It’ll just make them nervous.”
But the bird had no intention of not having his presence known, and scarcely had Jim spoken when it uttered several harsh cries. Instantly, every man’s eyes were turned to the royal yard and at that moment a second bo’sun bird fluttered down and alighted beside the first. Almost like a dirge, a deep, moaning sigh arose from the crew.
“Gosh!” exclaimed Tom. “That must mean twice as much bad luck to come and three men to die. Cap’n Pem will be——”