s dogs!" exclaimed the captain in a
greater rage than ever.

The solid line remained immovable, and Mont was set free.

Both mates put themselves by the captain's side, as they feared a crisis
was approaching, and they determined to side with the skipper.

"Look'ee here, cappen," said an old, grizzled sailor. "I've shipped
aboard o' many vessels, and I've seen a few skippers, but never the
likes o' you. We don't want to do you no harm, but we aint a-goin' to
stan' by and see that poor lad flogged half to death because he
interfered for one o' us."

"I'll have you all tried at the first port I come to!" exclaimed the
captain.

Slog, the mate, caught the captain's arm.

"For Heaven's sake, go below, and leave them to me!" he said.

"Not I. Where are my pistols? I'll shoot some of the dogs."

"Be guided by me, sir. Let them alone this time, and tackle them one by
one. If you don't, they'll do something desperate."

The captain mumbled something which was inaudible. He was almost
speechless with rage.

Suddenly the voice of the lookout man rang out clearly:

"A strange sail."

"Where away?" asked the captain.

"On the larboard bow, sir."

The captain took his telescope, and began to examine the strange sail.

Everyone crowded to the side to have a look, and every eye was soon
searching the horizon.

Even Mont shared the excitement.

He had a pocket glass, and brought it into use.

"Perhaps we'll be taken off," he said to Carl.

"I sincerely hope so," replied his chum. "I've had enough of this
ship."

CHAPTER IX.

DOCTOR HOMER WODDLE.

It was soon discovered that the sail was nothing more or less than a man
clinging to a chicken coop, who had taken off his shirt and hoisted it
on high to attract attention.

When he was neared, a boat was lowered, and the unfortunate man picked
up and brought on board.

He was a little, wiry man, about forty-five years of age, with sharp,
intelligent face, and an expression of anything but good temper.

"Which is the captain of this vessel?" he asked on coming aboard.

"I am," replied Captain Savage.

"You've been a long time picking me up. What do you mean by it?" said
the little man.

"That's a cool remark," said the captain, "considering we have, in all
probability, saved your life."

"And if you have, you only did your duty. Where is your cabin? Give me
some fresh clothes immediately, and something to eat and drink."

"You've got a nerve,"