Dick was so absorbed in watching the swimmer that he almost forgot to ring the ship’s bell at five o’clock; and, just as he was doing it, Tom crawled sleepily out of the companionway and joined him.
“What do you s’pose, Tom,” said Dick eagerly, but in a low voice, “there’s Billy Brown got into the water, unbeknownst to any one, five minutes ago, and has swum round that boat there, fifty yards off, and is swimming back again—rolling over on his back every now and then, like an old sea-dog, to take a nap. What do you suppose has got into him?”
“Dunno,” said Tom, rubbing his eyes. “Is he the fellow that nearly drowned Chip the other day in a funk?”
“Sure,” replied Dick, decidedly, “that very same. Something must have oiled his works inside.”
“It beats me,” said Tom, and walked off to look at the log.
When Billy got near the ship he noticed the side-ladder and gave Dick a grin which showed that he appreciated the help. He climbed up all dripping and was for grabbing Dick round the waist in his eagerness to give vent to his feelings, not only of gratitude for the ladder, but of relief at the result of his self-imposed test.
“Keep your slimy flippers off me, you porpoise!” said Dick and grinned back at him with sympathy and pleasure.
“Well, you’re a good ’un,” said Brown. “I should have been in a fix if it hadn’t been for the side-ladder. I never thought of how I was going to get back.”
“Get below, now, as quickly as you can,” said Dick, “or maybe the anchor watch will put you on report.”
“Don’t say a word,” said Bill; “I got special permission from the old man last night!”