The sailors did not take long in making good the damage done to the sail. A new one was bent and then the schooner’s action changed from a wallowing and rolling in the trough of the waves to a light skimming over them. The storm, now that the wind and waves appeared to have satisfied themselves by inflicting all the damage they could, seemed to die down.
“You had better go below to your own cabin,� said the captain to Raynor when all had been made snug again. “You will hear no more of your attempt to get away.�
Without waiting for a rejoinder, he was gone. Raynor turned dazedly to Noddy.
“I guess I’m in his good books again,� he said.
“Well, why wouldn’t yer be?� said the Bowery boy, “you saved his life.�
At this juncture there was a shrill yell behind them. It was Pompey.
“By de holy poker, de ghostesses done brung back young Massa Raynor, jes lak dey does mah puddin’,� he cried, feeling Raynor’s arm to make sure it was solid flesh and blood.
“Gollyumption,� he exclaimed, “it’s Massa Raynor, all right. Whar dose ghostesses done tak you-all to? Ah ’specs dey rides yo on a broomstick an all.�
“I haven’t been with any ghosts,� laughed Raynor.
But Pompey put on a knowing look.