"So do I," said Ben, following Ralph's example.
"When is this voyage going to end, captain?"
"Oh, when I get my load, I told ye before. It will take some time for this sea to go down enough to give us another chance at the fish; but with fair luck I reckon a week more will fill us."
The boys groaned.
"What! don't you like it? You seem so fresh after the storm, I concluded you was makin' up your mind to follow my profession. Then you don't mean to take to the business as a steady thing?" Captain Dare asked, with a twinkle in the funny light-gray eyes overshadowed with bushy brows.
"No," answered the boys laughing. "Dry land for us."
After breakfast, the two men unreefed the sails, and began to repair damages. The small boat that had been stowed on deck during the storm was again launched and towed behind.
The broken topmasts were useless; but the most serious injury was to the foremast, which was sprung out of position.
This they braced as well as possible, and setting all available canvas, they began the process of tacking, to regain their former-position.
As the wind abated, they began to troll for fish; and in spite of the rough sea, the boys felt well enough to help with the lines.