"I guess you'll do, my lad," exclaimed Mr. Duff in high good humor. "Come with me and I will show you what the doctor is. Bludson, have that peak block on the foresail gaff slung a little higher. I think she will hoist easier."
"Aye, aye, sir," returned the boatswain, while Ralph, following the mate, again descended to the cabin.
The cabin was roomy, well carpeted, and contained a stationary table through the center of which ran the mainmast of the schooner. At the stern were two staterooms; one for the captain and the other for the two mates. Lockers and drawers were scattered about, and a mirror with a picture or two was attached to the walls.
On a cushioned seat at one side lay a large white cat.
"That's Doctor," said the mate. "He's a great pet, and while you are aft you must see that he wants for nothing."
The mate showed Ralph a small closet where were sundry brooms, brushes and other implements for cleaning up.
"As you are to be cabin boy, for a while at least," said Mr. Duff, "you might as well begin by tidying up the cabin a bit. We want to have things shipshape by the time the captain comes aboard."
For an hour or so Ralph busied himself accordingly, until a commotion on deck led him to look out at one of the stateroom windows.