When the candle had burned low, he lighted another, put the butt through the hole, and jammed it. At last he fell asleep, with his head resting on a pile of dress-goods; and the candle was burning unattended. He was awakened by a hail from the deck.
“Billy, b’y, where is you?”
It was Skipper Bill’s hearty voice; and before Billy could tumble up the ladder, the skipper’s bulky body closed the exit.
“She’s all safe, sir!” said the boy.
Skipper Bill at that moment caught sight of the lighted candle. He snatched it from its place, dropped it on the floor and stamped on it. He was a-tremble from head to foot. 290
“What’s this foolery?” he demanded, angrily.
Billy explained.
“It was plucky, b’y,” said the skipper, “but ’twas wonderful risky.”
“Sure, there was no call to be afraid.”
“No call to be afraid!” cried the skipper.