He took his knife from his pocket, opened the big blade and cut off a piece of pork. This he forced himself to eat. Then he once more went on deck.
Half an hour later the captain emerged from his cabin. Then he and an Italian he called Charlie, who, in the absence of a mate, appeared to be the second in command, began to choose the men for their watches. Frank found himself in the captain’s watch.
“I may as well tell you,” he said to the captain, “that I’m no sailor.”
“Well, you will be, son,” came the reply. “You’ll either be a sailor or shark bait.”
The watches divided, the captain said to Frank:
“Son, I’m going to do you a real favor. You can berth aft in the cabin with Charlie and me, and you can make free of my quarterdeck. Maybe you ain’t used to the way of sailormen, but you can take it from me those are two real concessions.”
“Will you tell me where we are bound, captain?” asked Frank.
“I’ll tell you it’s none of your business,” came the sharp reply. “You do as I say and ask no questions.”
About an hour later Frank turned in. The captain showed him his bunk. It was under the companionway that led down into the cabin. The captain bunked on one side and Charlie on the other.
As Frank made his way to his bunk, he saw a sight that caused him to catch his breath in surprise.