At this juncture a loud cry was heard from aloft of:
"S-a-i-l h-o!"
The captain turned away as if the interruption were a welcome one to him.
"Stow that lad and see to him," he repeated, then added sternly: "Be assured of one thing, Mr. Duff, I will not forget your part in this affair."
"Aye, aye, sir," replied the second mate, as the captain walked off.
CHAPTER XV.
Boarded by a Cruiser.
Ralph was borne up into the men's quarters and placed in one of the most comfortable bunks.
Pretty soon down came Neb with a steaming dish of stewed chicken, and a good supply of broth. This, with a ship's biscuit and a cup of coffee, were fed slowly to the lad by one of the sailors, until he was strong enough to help himself.