"On what must we pull?" asked Hercules, turning up the large sleeves of
his jacket.

"On nothing just now," replied Dick Sand, smiling.

"At your service," continued the colossus.

"Dick," continued Captain Hull, "the weather is beautiful. The wind has
gone down. There is no indication that it will freshen again. Above
all, whatever may happen, do not put a boat to sea, and do not leave
the ship."

"That is understood."

"If it should become necessary for the 'Pilgrim' to come to us, I shall
make a signal to you, by hoisting a flag at the end of a boat-hook."

"Rest assured, captain, I shall not lose sight of the whale-boat,"
replied Dick Sand.

"Good, my boy," replied Captain Hull. "Courage and coolness. Behold
yourself assistant captain. Do honor to your grade. No one has been
such at your age!"

Dick Sand did not reply, but he blushed while smiling. Captain Hull
understood that blush and that smile.

"The honest boy!" he said to himself; "modesty and good humor, in
truth, it is just like him!"