"You stay here, lad," the captain ordered, as he sprang ashore, and
made a line fast to the nearest post. "I'll run up fer the doctor."

It took him but a short time to cross the field to Marshall house.
Here he found Doctor Travis, and briefly stated the object of his visit.

"It's a terrible night, isn't it?" the doctor enquired.

"Oh, no. Jist a gentle breeze."

"But look at your oil-skins. You've been drenched from head to foot."

"Well, what of it? A little water won't hurt anybody. The more the
better, is my motto."

"Very well, then, I'll go," and the doctor reached for his big coat and
hat. Then he seized his grip, and followed the captain down to the
wharf.

"You sit there in the middle," the captain ordered, as they reached the
boat, "and keep yer head low in case the boom should take a sudden yank
over. Ye won't git so wet there, either."

The wind on the homeward run was almost dead ahead, and it was
necessary to beat from side to side of the channel. But the captain
knew every inch of the way, and he was almost as much at home here at
night as in the day. Up and up they steadily crept, while the _Roaring
Bess_ raced from side to side, tossing volumes of water at every
plunge. Rod was alert and active as a cat now, crouching close to the
captain, ready to obey his slightest command. How the boy did enjoy