“He chawed our boat to kindling wood,” said Jim, looking ruefully to where the fragments strewed the sea.
“He would have done the same by you, if we hadn’t come along,” remarked the captain. “Served you right, too.”
“I hate not getting him, that’s what worries me,” said Jim.
“How did you feel when he tilted you and the boat up in the air?” inquired Tom curiously.
“Can’t say,” replied Jim. “It was so sudden, and I didn’t take any notes.”
“I felt like I was going to be another Jonah,” remarked Jo feebly.
“He’s the Jonah,” remarked the captain, pointing a contemptuous thumb at Jeems, who had just gotten to his feet.
“How can I ever thank you, Captain?” asked Jeems Howell, who had a sly streak of humor at times. “You saved my life at the risk of your own. It was a noble deed, and one long——”
“Oh, g’wan with you,” cried the captain. “I don’t want none of your banquet speeches.”