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 The captain took the binoculars, and after studying the ship on the horizon a moment, said:

"These are uncommonly fine glasses. I believe they 're as good as my own, if not better. Whose are they?"

"Mine, sir," replied Dave, with a touch of pride.

"Yours!" said the captain incredulously, glancing down with an air of suspicion at Dave's clothes—an old suit that had grown much the worse for wear with rough work afloat. "Where did you get them?" the big man went on sharply.

Dave flushed, stung by the suggestion conveyed in the captain's words. He was not used to having his honesty questioned.

"They were my father's, sir," he said, unconsciously drawing himself up. "Dad said I might use them. They were given to him by a pilot after Dad had saved his life."

"All right, lad; don't ever get cross with the captain," the big man said, in kindly fashion,