Bob and Pat Stoodles were carried to staterooms, and here Doctor Barrell proceeded to minister to their comforts through the stock in his medicine chest.
While this was going on Captain Broadbeam started in to learn if Pete Rackley had shown himself.
"Why, certainly; he is on board," said the mate. "He's a poor, down-hearted cast-away, isn't he?"
"He's a rascal!" burst out Captain Broadbeam. "Where is he? I'll put him in irons!"
A search was at once instituted and at last Pete Rackley was found hiding in the forecastle.
He was the picture of misery when brought before Captain Broadbeam.
"It's all a mistake," he said, in a trembling voice. "All a mistake."
"It is no mistake," said the captain, sternly. "Dave Fearless is here to testify against you."
"But—but——"
"You need make no more denials, Rackley. You have played the game and lost. Now answer me truthfully: Have you done any harm as yet to the Swallow?"