The next day the loading was rapidly proceeded with, and by noon all
the cargo was stowed away.

Captain Spark was below in his cabin, making out the final papers
and waiting for his clearance documents from the harbor master. Mr.
Carr and his assistants were busy getting the _Eagle_ ready to sail,
while Bob stood near the rail, watching with curious eyes everything
that was going on.

While he stood there he saw a short, stout, pale-faced man coming up
the gangplank. The man carried a valise in each hand, while behind
him walked a 'longshoreman with a trunk on his shoulder.

"Now, my man, be very careful of that trunk," urged the short,
stout, pale man. "Don't drop it for the world."

"I'm not going to, sir," and the 'longshoreman attempted to touch
his hat as a mark of respect.

"Don't do that!" exclaimed the nervous man. "You might drop it, and
something would break."

"All right, sir. Very well, sir," and once more the 'longshoreman
made as if to touch his hat. It was a habit of his to do this
whenever spoken to by those who employed him.

"There you go again!" cried the man in rather whining tones. "Don't
do it, I say! There! Keep your hands on the trunk!"

Seeing that this last order was obeyed, the nervous man advanced up