The rod was lowered several pegs, and the "stupid-numerary" cleared it easily.
So did Bobbie.
Up another peg, again the same, and so on till some inches over four feet.
Now, as Paddy was about to leap, the ship gave a bit of a bob, and the poor "stupidnumerary" kicked off the rod and fell on the softest part of his body.
"Hurrah!" cried Bobbie. "Scotland's going to clear it!"
He waited a few seconds till the Osprey was on an even keel, then sprang over it like a bird.
He had won, and the cheering was deafening, even Hurricane Bob the Newfoundland and Oscar joined in and made the welkin ring, while Bobbie pretended to clap his wings and crow.
Then all hands, including the victorious trio, drew aft to be present at the distribution of the prizes.
"Midshipman Robertson—First Prize."
Bobby sprang forward with alacrity and received—a mustard leaf.