"And you want me to quit it for some stupid shore work that'll make a fellow think he's got about as much life in him as a clam?"
"No, I don't; for I am certain there are just as exciting things to be done on shore as at sea, and if you'll only promise to come with me, I'll promise to find something for you to do as exciting as this, and lots honester."
"I've a mind to take you up," said Bonny, "and I would if I thought you had any idea how hard it is to find a job of any kind. You haven't, though, and because you got this berth dead easy you think you'll have the same luck every time. But we must look sharp now for another light from Skookum John."
By this time the sloop had again tacked, and was headed diagonally for the western shore.
"Who is Skookum John?" asked Alaric.
"Skookum? Why, he's our Siwash runner, who is always on the lookout for us, and keeps us posted."
"What is a Siwash?"
"Well, if you aren't ignorant! 'Specially about languages. Why, Siwash is Chinook for Indian. There's his light now! See? One, two, three. Good enough! We've given 'em the slip once more, and everything is working our way."
As it grew lighter Bonny pointed out the now distant masts of the cutter they had so successfully passed a short time before, and said, with a cheerful grin: "There's the old kettle that thought she could clip the Fancy's wings, and bring her to with a round turn."
Captain Duff laid all the blame of their late arrival on poor Alaric.