For a few seconds Bob did not speak. The proposition was so sudden
to him that he did not exactly comprehend it.

"I'm to go to sea with Captain Spark?" he asked slowly.

"That is the punishment we have decided on, my son."

"Where are you going, captain?" asked Bob.

"I'm bound for 'round Cape Horn this trip. Oh, you'll get all the
ocean you want, but it will make a man of you."

"When are you going to sail?" asked Bob in a quiet voice.

"Next week."

"Good!" exclaimed the youth suddenly. "I'll be ready. Oh, I always
wanted to make a sea voyage, and now I have the chance. This is the
best ever! Hurrah! That's the stuff! 'A life on, the ocean wave,
a home on the bounding deep!' Avast and belay, my hearties! Shiver
my timbers! All hands on deck to take in sail! There she blows!"

Bob had not read sea stories for nothing.

"That's the way to talk!" exclaimed the captain. "I knew he'd like
the idea!"

Mr. Henderson seemed somewhat amazed. He had expected Bob to make
strong objections. Instead the boy was delighted.