"Hurrah for a tow!" echoed the crowd.
Thanks to Charlie Bell, whale-boats were plenty enough now.
"Father," said Ben, "you shall be fleet commodore."
It was but a short time before twelve boats and fifty men were ready. Joe Bradish was getting into Joe Griffin's boat.
"You shan't go, you small concern," said Joe, and pitched him head foremost into the water.
"Jonah's overboard—we shall have good luck, now."
"I'll hoist the flag, neighbors," said the captain, as they were shoving off, "if they've got him."
"If you want to get Peterson home," said Dick Cameron, "take the boat and pull up. I'll keep ship."
"No need of that," said Walter, "for here comes the whole neighborhood."
"I seed him! I seed dad!" screamed little Ike, who was nestled close to the side of Captain Rhines.