starlit view, the moist, balmy air and the gentle motion.

Tybee was now well astern. On either hand the shore line was receding
while in front came a low, irregular roaring.

Ralph walked back to where Mr. Duff was standing at the binnacle,
conning the ship. There was no pilot aboard, as for some reason,
Captain Gary did not wish the time of his departure publicly known.

"What is that noise we hear ahead Mr. Duff?" asked the lad, whereat the
sailor at the wheel snickered, while the mate allowed himself to smile.

"That's the surf on the bar," said he. "What did you suppose it might
be?"

"I 'lowed it might be thunder, only I didn't see any clouds."

At this Mr. Duff laughed outright, and the sailors nudged each other as
if highly tickled. Ralph looked from one to another, and his pulse
beat fast.

"If I had you folks up in our mountains," said he, "mebbe I could show
you a thing or two that would puzzle you. I know I'm green, but I'm
not too green to learn."

"You'll do," replied the mate shortly, as the boy turned away.

A little later as he was standing by the after hatch, a hand was laid
on his arm.