pickerel home with ye when ye go."

What a wonderful afternoon that was to Rod! Most of the time was spent
upon the water, and he received his first real instructions about the
handling of the _Roaring Bess_, the ropes, sail, port and starboard, to
say nothing of his lesson in splicing. There was also the swim in the
little secluded cove, with the captain as an excellent teacher. Rod
little realised that he was being thoroughly sounded as to his
qualities and capabilities.

"Ye'll do, lad," was the captain's comment, when at last they came
ashore. "Ye're worth botherin' with, I kin see that all right. If ye
don't know more'n yer master in a few months, I'll be much surprised.
So, there now, take this pickerel to yer grandma, and tell her that ye
took it out of the net yerself, and don't ferget to give her my
compliments."




CHAPTER VIII

THE CHUMS TO THE RESCUE

Parson Dan and Mrs. Royal were greatly interested in the story Rod had
to tell them that evening of his experiences during the day. It seemed
hardly possible that cranky Captain Josh could become such an
interesting companion to a little boy. They discussed it for some time
after Rod had gone to bed.