All turned their heads. The darkness was thick, and the doctor was
leaning against the mast so that he seemed part of it, and they could
not see him.

The voice spoke again,--

"Listen!"

All were silent.

Then did they distinctly hear through the darkness the toll of a bell.




CHAPTER IX.

THE CHARGE CONFIDED TO A RAGING SEA.


The skipper, at the helm, burst out laughing,--

"A bell! that's good. We are on the larboard tack. What does the bell
prove? Why, that we have land to starboard."

The firm and measured voice of the doctor replied,--

"You have not land to starboard."