“Then one day you will turn out a first-rate sailor. What are you going to do now?”
Will looked up.
“I am going up to the top of the next mast.”
“You are sure that you won’t get giddy?”
“Yes, I am accustomed to climbing up the cliffs on the Yorkshire coast, and I have not the least fear of losing my head.”
“Well, then, fire away, lad, and if you find that you are getting giddy shout and I will come up to you.”
“Thank you! I will call if I want help.”
Steadily he went up till he stood on the cap of the topmast.
“I may as well go up one more,” he said. “I can’t think why people make difficulties of what is so easy.”
The sailor called to him as he saw him preparing to ascend still higher, but Will only waved his hand and started up. When he reached the cap of the top-gallant mast he sat upon it and looked down at the harbour. Presently he heard a hail from below, and saw the first lieutenant standing looking up at him.