"Yes, sir," I answered; then, stepping into the weather alley, I sent my voice forward, "Weather main- and cro'-jack clew-garnets and buntlines," I shouted, "and come aft here, some o' you, and take in this spanker!" "What are you taking in the spanker for?" asked the mate as I resumed my position beside Tom, ready to aid him if necessary. "Do you want charge of the deck again, sir?" I answered. "It's one man's job." "Leave the spanker on her. Haul up your clews, if you like," he said. Then he began a short pacing back and forth before the wheel, evidently working himself into a rage that was based on the girl's rebuff. He continued this pacing until the men, under the boatswain of the watch, had hauled up the weather clews, which allowed the wind to impinge upon the foresail. Then, seeing that Tom made easier work of the steering--even though, because of the spanker, he steered with the wheel nearly hard up--Mr. Butterell was ready for an explosion. "You look out, young fellow!" he said, halting me as I moved toward the weather alley. "I'll take the conceit out o' you yet!" I looked him squarely in the eyes. I do not know that Mabel's rebuke had heartened me. I only remembered that I had lost her regard, that I had lost my skipper's good will, and that the last five years of work and effort, as far as advancement was concerned, had been wasted. "Take care, sir," I said, quietly, "and do not forget the conditions under which I have allowed you to live this long!" Then, in a cold rage, I turned my back on him and took my place at the forward end of the alley, where I could stand my watch in touch with both ends of the ship. He did not follow, and soon I heard him talking amicably with Mabel. I did not look aft, as I could gauge Tom's steering by the swing of the fore yard against the few stars showing in the strong moonlight, and I noticed that the men forward were seeking sheltered and shady spots to doze away the watch--as is always permitted in easy ships--and that the lookout on the forecastle deck was pacing back and forth, wide awake. All was well with the ship, and with me, except for the irritating conversation on the quarter.