"Yes, sir. Are you Captain Jeremiah Spark?"
"That's who I am."
"Is this the schooner Eagle, bound around Cape Horn?"
"Yes, sir, with a mixed cargo consigned to various firms in Lima,
Peru. Would you like to look at my papers?"
"No, I guess it's all right," and Mr. Tarbill seemed much relieved. "You see, my train was late," he went on, "and I came aboard in such a hurry that I was not sure I was on the right ship. I dislike to make mistakes, especially as my health is not very good."
"Yes, you're on the right ship," Captain Spark assured Mr. Tarbill.
"Now if you'll come with me I'll show you to your stateroom. But
first let me introduce to you a relative of mine," and he presented
Bob.
"Yes, I have been talking with him," said Mr. Tarbill. "He assured me I was on the right vessel, but I did not know whether he knew or not."
"Oh, yes, Bob knows that much about the ship. But he's going to learn more soon."
The captain conducted the nervous passenger to the stateroom set apart for him and then came back on deck.
"What do you think of him?" he asked Bob.