Red Bill went aft, and Captain Riley, an adept in such matters from much practice, skilfully set his broken arm.
Curly, being the youngest man in the watch, was appointed to the post of "peggy," and went off to the galley to fetch the dinner forward.
It was not very appetising, but, such as it was, was consumed eagerly, for the events of the morning had produced a hunger which did not blink at bad food.
Bedrock Ben, who looked a weird object with a great red handkerchief tied over his head and under his chin, started the conversation rolling with the remark:
"This is shore a red-hot ship, pards!"
"I'm surmisin' it were a some violent outfit myself," said Broncho reflectively.
"Bedad, an' ye're right, mate; this ould baste of a Higgins is after being called the hottest craft under the flag," put in Pat, with a shake of his fist towards Black Davis, who could be seen through the open door busily at work on the greenhorns. "But I'll be aven with ye yet, Mister Black Davis, be sure I will," he hissed.
Pat was feeling dangerously vindictive, for, with half his teeth loosened, his meal had been a source of pain.
"I don't know that she's worse than the Frank N. Thayler," remarked Jack.
"Well, I should smile! My crikey! W'y, the Thayler's a byby to this bloomin' 'ooker," grunted the cockney.