yo ho, ho!"

While there did not seem to be much sense attached to the words, the
manner in which they were roared forth, and the push altogether with
which they drove the bars at the end of each line, made a vivid
impression on the mountain lad's imagination.

He felt glad that he had elected to be a sailor, even though he began
as an humble cabin boy. There was an element of dash and danger
connected with the life that appealed to the natural daring of his
disposition.

"I shall certainly see enough of the world," thought he, "and I shall
leave that miserable feud far, far behind."

With the anchor a-trip, the men waited for the final signal. As a
light westerly puff swelled the mainsail, which was drawn flat, Mr.
Duff uttered a low "Now then," that was repeated loudly by the
boatswain, who acted also as a sort of sailing master.

"Yo ho, ho! Heave 'er up, hearties!"

The capstan was again manned, and as the schooner fell off before the
wind, Ralph, leaning over the forward bulwarks, saw the great anchor
hang dripping under the bow. Later on it would be stowed on deck.

And now the three jibs were hoisted one after another, then the
topsails, and finally, as the breeze was light, a triangular staysail
was run well up to the weather side between the masts.

Under the influence of the wind and tide the Curlew spun along at an
eight knot gait, trailing a glistening wake behind and with a briny
hissing along the side as the smooth hull cut the rippling water.

Presently the north point of the inlet was abreast, and Ralph began to
notice a slow rocking motion which, as the vessel rose upon the swells,
made him feel as if the deck were sinking beneath his feet. At first
it was a pleasant sensation, and he leaned over the side, enjoying the
starlit view, the moist, balmy air and the gentle motion.

Tybee was now well astern. On either hand the shore line was receding
while in front came a low, irregular roaring.

Ralph walked back to where Mr. Duff was standing at the binnacle,
conning the ship. There was no pilot aboard, as for some reason,
Captain Gary did not wish the time of his departure publicly known.

"What is that noise we hear ahead Mr. Duff?" asked the lad, whereat the
sailor at the wheel snickered, while the mate allowed himself to smile.

"That's the surf on the bar," said he. "What did you suppose it might
be?"

"I 'lowed it might be thunder, only I didn't see any clouds."

At this