thought it best to get steering way on the yacht without delay, and--"

"Wot's yer name now?" roared Stump, glowering at him in a manner which
led Dick to believe he had committed an unpardonable offense.

"Still the same, sir--Royson."

"I thought p'raps it might ha' bin Smith, as you're such a lightnin'
change artist. Just bung in to the engine-room, will you, an' find out
wot that son of a gun below there is a-doing of?"

"I will go if you like, sir, but I know nothing about engines."

"Take charge here, then. Keep her steady as she goes. You've a clear
course half a mile to westward of that light."

Stump disappeared, and Royson found himself entrusted with full charge
of the vessel ere she had been ten minutes at sea. His gruff commander
could have paid him no greater compliment.

In the engineer, a man from West Hartlepool, the captain met one who
spoke the vernacular.

"It's no good a-dammin' me because there's a flaw in a connectin' rod,"
he protested, when Stamp's strenuous questioning allowed him to explain
matters. "I can't see inside a piece of crimson steel any more'n you
can."

"None of your lip, my lad, or I'll find flaws all over you, P. D. Q.
Can you fix this mess at sea, or must we put back?"