"The way you puts it, this here bill o' fare seems some easy to chew on," commented the cowpuncher, looking keenly at Jack. "Mebbe, though, it ain't sech a cinch as I surmises. Ain't we-alls some scarce as an outfit to keep this here ship from stampedin' 'way offen the trail? Do you-alls reckon we is numerous enough to ride herd on her." "Well," returned Jack slowly, "we are rather short-handed, and that's a fact. Still [with a smile], we're enough to keep the ship from milling.[10] Tari and Jim can both steer; and you, Broncho, must have your first lesson as soon as possible. We three will have to take watch and watch, as I don't like to trust the ship to the Kanakas." "And who'll ride first night gyard?" asked Broncho. "You two both look pretty fagged out. Suppose you jump below and turn in; Tari and I will keep the middle watch." "I ain't tired--I'm as frisky as can be," objected Jim. "I might as well take the first trick now I'm at the wheel." "And I'm as full of buck as a corn-fed cow-pony," put in Broncho. "You're lookin' some weary an' overplayed yourself, Jack; just you prowl down in your blankets whilst Jim and I deal the game." "I think we'd better elect a captain first," said the rover casually, "or it'll be a case of too many cooks." "Bein' as you savvys the game, Jack, I concloods you-alls is elected onanimous; thar shore ain't no candidate for the opposition. You're the range-boss o' this round-up." "Why, 'er course," affirmed Jim. "Well, then, you two obey orders and turn in until further notice," returned Jack, with a laugh. "You guileful ole terrapin!" growled Broncho, as he reluctantly made for the companion-way, followed by the boy. FOOTNOTES: [10] Going round in a circle, as cattle sometimes do when frightened or restless. CHAPTER III "THE BURNING OF THE SOUTH SEAMAN" The night passed without incident, and dawn found the _Ocmulgee_ jogging along with the yards just off the backstays. The wind had steadied down to a fair south-west breeze; the sea was much quieter, and matters were looking up all round. Broncho was taught to steer, and Jim fished indefatigably, but beyond catching a huge molly-mawk, which had swooped on the bait, he had not had much success. Tari, however, the skilled harpooner, had managed to spear several dolphins, and dolphin stew made a welcome addition to the poor fare. So the days passed. Except for Lobu, the madman, who caused some anxiety by his queer behaviour, all hands were pulling together well. Tari proved to be invaluable. He had a soft, gentle nature and worked like an ox, his disfigured countenance aglow with beaming good temper. He cooked, he steered, he was ready for everything and toiled away unceasingly with wonderful endurance. The man was untiring in his efforts to please, and Jack especially he seemed to take to. "You my _pleni_," he had announced to that worthy in his soft Polynesian tones.