singing of the wind through the shrouds buzzed strangely in his ears.
He made a dive for the cook's galley, where Neb was dishing up the
cabin meal.

"Mind yo' steps, now," the negro cautioned him, as Ralph, with a waiter
full of dishes, started for the companionway.

The boy, though wet and shivering, determined to do his duty, come what
might. By the assistance of Long Tom, who seized him by the collar and
propelled him roughly but safely across the deck, he managed to reach
the cabin.

He got the table arranged somehow, placing the dishes in the rough
weather racks provided, then after washing his face, he made his way
back to the galley and started with another waiter full of eatables.

This time something had drawn Long Tom away. Ralph did very well until
he came to the open space between one of the boats and the mainmast. A
rope really should have been stretched amid deck for his aid, but as
others did not need it, no one thought or cared for the cabin boy.

Just as Ralph made a dive for the mast and the afterhatch beyond, the
captain emerged from the companionway. The boy reached the mast in
safety. Encouraged by this, he loosened his hold and started boldly
for the head of the stairs.

Unfortunately the stern of the Curlew sank suddenly under the influence
of a receding wave of unusual proportions. Ralph and his waiter of
dishes were thrown violently forward against Captain Gary, who stood
like a rock, while the boy pitched one way and his dishes went another.