quick reply, and Fred ran to the foot of the mast,
where Mr. Johnson, the mate, and a sailor named Petersen were standing.

"Follow me," said Petersen, and he began to climb. Up the rigging he
went, with Fred close behind him. It was hard work for the inexperienced
boy to keep pace with the hardy sailor, and he was well-nigh exhausted
when at last they stood upon the yards.

"That's hard work," panted Fred.

"You'll get used to it," smiled the sailor. "There's a knack about it."

"What do we do now?" demanded Fred.

"Wait till we get our orders. The captain will bring 'er up into the
wind in a minute and that's when we get to work."

"What shall I do?"

"You grab all the loose sail you can, right in your arms, and try to
hold it there. They'll let go below."

Fred felt dizzy, standing so high above the decks, and he clung to the
ropes which were all about him, for dear life. He heartily wished that
he was once more with his comrades, but it was too late now. He must go
through with it, and he was determined, if possible, not to betray his
nervousness.

"Stand by!" came the faint call from below.

"Hang on now," cautioned Petersen. "They're going to bring 'er 'round."

The steersman put the helm hard over and the _Josephine_ swung
rapidly around with her bow into the wind. In spite of the warning Fred
did not hold on as tightly as he should. He felt himself slipping. He
clutched madly at the maze of ropes which entirely surrounded him. He
tried to call out, but no sound came. Desperately he strove to save
himself, but his efforts were unavailing.

CHAPTER II

A PLUCKY FEAT

Fred's three companions on the deck below watched their friend with
horrified eyes. They had felt envious of his good fortune until now, and
every one of them had wished that he was in Fred's place.

"It must be great up there," Grant exclaimed as he looked at Fred
standing up against the topmast, far above the decks.

"That's the place to be, all right," said String enthusiastically.

"If you were up there it would look like two masts instead of one," said
Pop Sanders.

"Say," said John in disgust. "You got off that same joke just a few
minutes ago. It was all right the first time, but it's a pretty poor one
now."

The three boys had stood below bantering one another and envying Fred
until the _Josephine_ came about and they saw that their comrade
was dizzy and in danger of falling.

He swayed dangerously for a while