The only
one of her courses set was the foresail.
The way that skipper's carryin' on is shocking," Mr. Pike sneered.
"He should be more cautious, and remember God, the owners, the
underwriters, and the Board of Trade."
Such was our speed that in almost no time we were up with the
stranger vessel and passing her. Mr. Pike was like a boy just loosed
from school. He altered our course so that we passed her a hundred
yards away. She was a gallant sight, but, such was our speed, she
appeared standing still. Mr. Pike jumped upon the rail and insulted
those on her poop by extending a rope's end in invitation to take a
tow.
Margaret shook her head privily to me as she gazed at our bending
royal-yards, but was caught in the act by Mr. Pike, who cried out:
"What kites she won't carry she can drag!"
An hour later I caught Tom Spink, just relieved from his shift at the
wheel and weak from exhaustion.
"What do you think now of the carpenter and his bag of tricks?" I
queried.
"Lord lumme, it should a-ben the mate, sir," was his reply.
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