“But will it break up?”
“Of course, sir. Wait a bit, and it will be all hot sunshine, and always day.”
“Go aloft now, my lad,” said Captain Marsham; “the fog seems to be thinner higher up. You may be able to get an observation.”
Johannes started for the main shrouds, and Steve saw the captain’s beard, all covered with moisture from the mist, twitch as if he were laughing.
“At me,” thought the lad; and the captain evidently divined his idea, for he said quietly:
“Wait a bit, Steve, till you get a little more confidence. You would be certain to feel nervous if you went aloft now.”
“I wish he’d forget all about that,” muttered the lad.
A minute later there was the loud snap of the cask bottom falling into its place, and the captain hailed the Norseman.
“Clearer there?”
“Just a wee bit, sir,” came from up in the clouds.