Suddenly he ran toward the bow of the ship and leaned far over the rail.
"Hey there!" yelled Bob, thinking the man was going to Jump overboard and swim ashore. "What are you doing?"
"I was trying to see the name of the vessel," answered the man, whose face was now red instead of pale, caused by his exertion in bending over the rail.
"You can't see it by leaning over," replied Bob. "It's painted away up by the figurehead."
"I know I can't see it," answered the nervous passenger. "Oh, I wish I was sure."
"I tell you you're on the Eagle," declared Bob. "Can't you take my word?"
"When you get as old as I am, and have been through as much trouble, you'll never take anybody's word for anything," was the answer. "I must be sure. I'm off for a long voyage, and I don't want to make a mistake."
"You're not making any mistake if you want to be aboard the Eagle. Here comes Captain Spark now. You can ask him."
At that moment the commander, having seen his vessel well under way, came to where Bob and the nervous passenger were standing.
"Is this Mr. Hiram Tarbill?" asked the mariner, holding out his hand.