A scornful glance from the fisherman and a sniff from the sailor were the only answers vouchsafed the remark.
Fred and Billy finished the work on the seal that day, and the next morning the Captain said he had the collar ready for the flag-pole.
The boys helped him with the work and when all was ready the snowy staff was successfully raised. Now, every one was eager to see the flag wave from the top but they had agreed to wait for their mother’s home-coming. To divert their attention, the Captain made a suggestion.
“Who’s goin’ to help me whip the ends of the new cable for the Medric, sailor-fashion?”
So they worked gaily at this for a time, but what boy can handle a fine piece of rope and resist the excitement of having a swing?
“Captain, lend us your new rope for a while?” asked Billy.
“What for?”
“I have a plan for a dandy swing and besides, it will take the ‘lay’ out of your cable,” replied Billy, diplomatically.
The Captain chuckled and consented—indeed, he offered to help the boys secure the ends but they knew they could manage.
The swing proved to be all Billy had hoped for it. In fact, so thrilling was the experiences of that swing, that the Captain regretted his co-operation for he felt there lurked too much risk to life and limb while it was being used. Hence, he claimed the right to take it the following day for the Medric. But how the boys did enjoy it while it lasted!