CHAPTER IX.
DOCTOR HOMER WODDLE.
It was soon discovered that the sail was nothing more or less than a man clinging to a chicken coop, who had taken off his shirt and hoisted it on high to attract attention.
When he was neared, a boat was lowered, and the unfortunate man picked up and brought on board.
He was a little, wiry man, about forty-five years of age, with sharp, intelligent face, and an expression of anything but good temper.
"Which is the captain of this vessel?" he asked on coming aboard.
"I am," replied Captain Savage.
"You've been a long time picking me up. What do you mean by it?" said the little man.
"That's a cool remark," said the captain, "considering we have, in all probability, saved your life."