wet, and that's a serious thing, you know."

Rudolf and Ann burst out laughing, and even Peter smiled, for it
seemed to them a funny thing for a pirate to fuss about.

"Now," exclaimed Rudolf, as the breeze freshened and the forms of the
cat pirates began to fade from sight, "there's a great deal to be
attended to. What do you think we'd better get at first?"

"My pink pajamas!" cried Prowler, leaping in the air and turning a
double somersault in his delight.

"My paper collars!" shouted Growler, following his example.

Rudolf was disgusted with the two mates for thinking of such nonsense
at a time like this, but it was no use trying to do anything with
them. They left the _Merry Mouser_ to his management, and rushed below
to bring up the False Hare's suit case. When they returned they were
followed by the two spotted sailors whom they introduced to the
children as Toddles and Towser. Toddles and Towser were still very
sleepy. They had managed to free themselves by chewing the string that
bound their paws, but they did not seem at all disturbed by the change
in affairs or inclined to make any trouble.

Rudolf placed them both at the wheel with stern directions to keep
each other awake if possible. He then went below to see if he could
find his sword before either Growler or Prowler should take a fancy to
it. It was hanging up over Captain Mittens' berth, and under the
Chief's pillow, neatly folded ready for the night, Rudolf found
Peter's pajamas. As they were quite dry now, he called Peter and