252 THE BOY CAPTAIN.

« What is our chance of picking up two or three men
here?” the young captain asked.

“Mighty poor just now. I don’t believe there’s a sailor
in port but what has a tassel to his handkerchief, and
that’s equal to saying there are none ready to ship.”

“Then there are some here?” .

“T couldn't say as to that; but I’ ll go bail, if there
are any, you'll have trouble to get them aboard.”

«Can I find a surgeon at this time of night?”

“T reckon so. What’s the matter?”

«A Manilaman cut the mate pretty badly four days ago,
and I’d like a surgeon to see him, although I’m not cer-
tain there’s any real necessity for it.”

“T reckon you can find Dr. Bray without any difficulty.
Keep those two tall trees in range, over there on the eastern
point, and you’ll have good anchorage in seven fathoms.”

By this time the brig’s papers had been freed from all
taint of disease, in case they had ever been so infected,
and a brief investigation of them was sufficient to show
that there was nothing to prevent the officials allowing
the little craft to come to an anchor.

Miss Dunham remained at the wheel.

Ben gave his orders, and obeyed them at the same time,
until the brig was in the position designated, when one
anchor was let go.

Bob was forward while the young captain stood on the
quarter-deck, and as the vessel began to swing the sailor
shouted : :

“The chain has parted, sir, with thirty fathoms out?”