before.



CHAPTER XXXIV



"How are you for a climb?" Margaret asked me, shortly after we had
left the table.

She stood challengingly at my open door, in oilskins, sou'wester, and
sea-boots.

"I've never seen you with a foot above the deck since we sailed," she
went on. "Have you a good head?"

I marked my book, rolled out of my bunk in which I had been wedged,
and clapped my hands for Wada.

"Will you?" she cried eagerly.

"If you let me lead," I answered airily, "and if you will promise to
hold on tight. Whither away?"

"Into the top of the jigger. It's the easiest. As for holding on,
please remember that I have often done it. It is with you the doubt
rests."

"Very well," I retorted; "do you lead then. I shall hold on tight."