It was day when he awoke, and went on deck to find a heavy sea running, and just sufficient sail set to keep the schooner’s head before the wind as she bobbed about on the waters. An exclamation from the skipper, as a wave broke against the side and flung a cloud of spray over him, brought the mate’s head round.
“Why, you ain’t going to get up?” he said, in tones of insincere surprise.
“Why not?” inquired the other gruffly.
“You go and lay down agin,” said the mate, “and have a cup o’ nice hot tea an’ some toast.”
“Clear out,” said the skipper, making a dash for the wheel, and reaching it as the wet deck suddenly changed its angle. “I know you didn’t like being woke up, Dick; but I got the horrors last night. Go below and turn in.”
“All right,” said the mollified mate.
“You didn’t see anything?” inquired the skipper, as he took the wheel from him.
“Nothing at all,” said the other.
The skipper shook his head thoughtfully, then shook it again vigorously, as another shower-bath put its head over the side and saluted him.
“I wish I hadn’t drowned that cat, Dick,” he said.