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Rh from his bunk he slipped into his clothing with the least possible delay. If they were to encounter a storm he wished to be where he could do his duty, and thus help avoid possible harm.

Once on deck the young electrician saw that, despite the fact that morning was not far off, the heavens were black. The clouds appeared to be rolling up from the eastward, and far off could be heard the rumbling thunder.

"The first thunder storm of the season," remarked Ben Stanhope. "An' I reckon as how it will be a whistler when it gits here."

The men were ordered aloft, and while they were taking in sail, Franklin was set to work clearing the decks, and making many things fast. Of course it was all new to him, but he did the best he could.

"You lubber, you!" shouted Captain Cosgrove at him, more than once. "It's a pity you haven't had more training. That's no way to tie a rope! Throw the slip around this way."

"Yes, sir," returned Franklin.

"You're of no account on deck!" stormed the owner of the Sunfiower, five minutes later, as he rushed at Franklin, and grabbed him by the throat. "Go down in the cabin, and do what you can there. We'll have lots of rolling presently, and unless things are secured they'll all go to smash."

Flung aside with these harsh words, Franklin at once started to comply with the last order.