"I am sorry to see you leave home, Bob," said his mother, with just
the hint of tears in her eyes, "but I think it will be the best
thing for you."

"So do I, mom. Hurrah! This is the best ever!"

Then Bob began to dance a sailor's hornpipe.

"It seems to me," said Mr. Henderson to himself, as he started for
the mill, "that Bob's punishment is more of a pleasure than anything
else. Still, if it does him good, I'll not regret it."




CHAPTER VIII

GETTING READY

Captain Spark's ship, the _Eagle_, was a large craft, and in her he
had made many voyages. At present the vessel was docked at a
seaport town not many miles from Moreville.

The day it was announced to Bob that he was to make a sea voyage,
the captain left the village to visit the _Eagle_ at the dock and
see how the loading of the cargo was progressing.

"I want to sail as soon as possible," he said, "and though I left a
good mate in charge, still I like to look after certain matters
myself. I'll be back in a few days and let you know, Bob, the exact