"The weather is beautifully fine, Dick, and I see no prospect of the wind freshening; but come what may, I have one direction to give you which I strictly enforce. You must not leave the ship. If I want you to follow us, I will hoist a flag on the boat-hook."
"You may trust me, sir," answered Dick; "and I will keep a good look-out."
"All right, my lad; keep a cool head and a good heart. You are second captain now, you know. I never heard of any one of your age being placed in such a post; be a credit to your position!"
Dick blushed, and the bright flush that rose to his cheeks spoke more than words.
"The lad may be trusted," murmured the captain to himself; "he is as modest as he is courageous. Yes; he may be trusted."
It cannot be denied that the captain was not wholly without compunction at the step he was taking; he was aware of the danger to which he was exposing himself, but he beguiled himself with the persuasion that it was only for a few hours; and his fisherman's instinct was very keen. It was not only for himself; the desire upon the part of the crew was almost irresistibly strong that every opportunity ought to be employed for making the cargo of the schooner equal to her owner's expectations. And so he finally prepared to start.
"I wish you all success!" said Mrs. Weldon.
"Many thanks!" he replied.
Little Jack put in his word,-
"And you will try and catch the whale without hurting him much?"