"Run down to the cabin and fetch me up the doctor," said the mate.
"Yon's the way."

He pointed towards the companionway.

Ralph, somewhat puzzled, started down, but fancied he heard a sound of
smothered laughter as he passed from sight.

"They're making fun of me," thought he. "I don't believe there is any
doctor here."

The two men having finished with the cable went forward, just as Ralph
reappeared bearing a box of patent pills he had found below.

"That's the nearest thing to a doctor I could find," said he.

The mate roared with laughter, while Long Tom grinned broadly, and the
sailors snickered.

"I guess you'll do, my lad," exclaimed Mr. Duff in high good humor.
"Come with me and I will show you what the doctor is. Bludson, have
that peak block on the foresail gaff slung a little higher. I think
she will hoist easier."

"Aye, aye, sir," returned the boatswain, while Ralph, following the
mate, again descended to the cabin.

The cabin was roomy, well carpeted, and contained a stationary table
through the center of which ran the mainmast of the schooner. At the