(A STORY OF THE SEA.)
CHAPTER I.
"A WET SHEET AND A FLOWING SEA."
Another long spell of the sea, including several voyages and some stirring adventures, was before Derval now, with a protracted absence from Britain. The ship was not getting ready for sea, so Captain Talbot was on shore, when a hansom cab deposited Derval and his belongings close by the gangway that led on board, where he was warmly welcomed by Joe Grummet and Harry Bowline.
"So Girtline has left us, Hal?"
"Yes, in bad health."
"And what sort of fellow is his successor?" asked Derval as they descended to the cabin.
"He is simply horrid—a cad, a brute!" exclaimed Bowline. "He is in the hold just now, and if a cask fell out of the slings on his head, it would be a good thing for all on board. He is so different from poor Girtline; he looks like an old pirate, and has stopped our promotion; but you see, Hampton, the owners think us rather young for further advancement yet. Steward, a couple of grogs; the sun is over the fore-yard!"
"When do we sail?"
"I don't exactly know, but I wish we saw Blue Peter up!"
"This Rudderhead—" began Derval, thinking of the mysterious letter.