Two life-boats, bottom up, were fastened securely on top of the boards.
The mass of rigging impressed the boys immensely. Their eyes ran over innumerable blocks and tackle, shaky-looking ladders, and a bewildering maze of rope which stretched aloft to a dizzy height.
"What beats me," remarked Tim, solemnly, "is how they ever remember what to do with 'em all."
"Every mornin' the sailors learn the names all over again, I guess," chuckled Tim.
"In a ship like this—" began Tom.
"This isn't a ship, Tommy," corrected Tim; "it's a schooner. You have a whole lot to learn, son—listen: a schooner's—"
"Huh! Much you know about nautical vessels," chirped Tommy, with a wink.
"'Nautical vessels' is a good one," murmured Tim. "Something new; seagoing marine nautical vessels, you meant. Who was that howled—did you speak, Mr. Sam Randall?"
"Yes, Timothy! Say, Bob, did you see Pete Colliver talking to Cap'n Slater?"
"Didn't notice 'em, Sam."