away up by the figurehead."

"I know I can't see it," answered the nervous passenger. "Oh, I
wish I was sure."

"I tell you you're on the _Eagle_," declared Bob. "Can't you take
my word?"

"When you get as old as I am, and have been through as much
trouble, you'll never take anybody's word for anything," was the
answer. "I must be sure. I'm off for a long voyage, and I don't
want to make a mistake."

"You're not making any mistake if you want to be aboard the
_Eagle_. Here comes Captain Spark now. You can ask him."

At that moment the commander, having seen his vessel well under
way, came to where Bob and the nervous passenger were standing.

"Is this Mr. Hiram Tarbill?" asked the mariner, holding out his
hand.

"Yes, sir. Are you Captain Jeremiah Spark?"

"That's who I am."

"Is this the schooner _Eagle_, bound around Cape Horn?"

"Yes, sir, with a mixed cargo consigned to various firms in Lima,
Peru. Would you like to look at my papers?"