Page:Dick Sands the Boy Captain.djvu/122

 96 DICK SANDS. THE BOY CAPTAIN. Dick appealed to the neg^oes, and tried to make them appreciate the difficulty of the task that had fallen to his lot. Tom answered, în behalf of hîmself and ail the r^t, that they were not only willing, but anxious, to do ail they could to assîst him, saying that îf their knowledge was small, yet their arms were strong, and added that they should certaînly be obedient to every order he gave. " My frîends/' saîd Dick, addressing them în reply ; " I shall make it a point of myself taking the helm as much as possible. But you know I must hâve my proper rest sometimes. No one can live without sleep. Now, Tom, I intend you to stand by me for the remainder of the day. I will try and make you understand how to steer by the aid of the compass. It îs not difficult. You will soon leam. I shall hâve to leave you when I go to my hammock for an hour or two." " Is there nothing,*' saîd little Jack, " that I can learn to do ? " " Oh yes, Jack ; you shall keep the wind în order " answered Dick, smilîng. " That I will ! " cried the chîld, clappîng his hands, while the mother drew him to her side. " And now, my men," was Dick*s first order to his crew, we must brace în the yards to sail fair. I will show you how." " Ail rîght, Captain Sands ; we are at your service," saîd old Tom gravely.