“You are appointed second cook of the Guardian-Mother, Baldy; and you will obey Monsieur Odervie in all things,” said the captain. “Which I will do, sir; and I thank you, captain, with all my ’eart,” replied Baldy, taking off his hat and bowing very low. “Which I thank you, too, Mr. Belgrave, which you are the owner of the finest steam-yacht that ever floated on the ocean.” Forward of the galley was the ice-house, and then the smoking-room, for which the present owner had no use. The adjoining rooms, with the foremast between them, were the staterooms of the first and second officers; and Louis declared that either of them was good enough for him. “This is my room, Mr. Belgrave,” said the commander, as he led the way into the next room. “I thought you would take one of the staterooms in the cabin,” suggested Louis. “I don’t intend to be an ornamental captain merely, and I desire to be near my work. For the present, while you are alone, I will take my meals with you, if you invite me to do so,” replied the commander. These apartments consisted of two rooms, one of which appeared to be the captain’s office, for it was provided with a desk, and several bookcases; and the other was his sleeping-apartment. A door opened from the former into the pilot-house, which was quite a large room. The wheel, the binnacles, and everything else, were of the most approved modern type. The vessel was steered by steam, and a uniformed quartermaster was at the wheel. “Spokes, this is Mr. Belgrave, our owner,” said the captain; and the man saluted him without any speech. They passed out to the forecastle, where sixteen men and the boatswain were assembled. The commander presented the owner: they all touched their caps, and gave three hearty cheers. This finished the ceremonies; and every man on board, except the firemen, knew “Mr. Belgrave.” The young millionaire was then conducted to the captain’s room. CHAPTER XXXIII ON BOARD THE GUARDIAN-MOTHER Louis was tired enough to enjoy the arm-chair the captain gave him in his room, for he had begun to feel that he needed another plate of soup, and he said as much to his friend. The touch of a button connected with the electric bells brought Sparks to the apartment, and the soup was ordered. It came in a few minutes, neatly arranged with biscuits on a tray, and the owner enjoyed it. “I have gone through all the formalities, Louis,” said Captain Ringgold, when the refreshment was disposed of. “I have not yet learned how you happened to be left alone on that sand-spit, for I was in a hurry to make you at home on the Guardian-Mother.” Louis felt quite at home; and he related all the details of his residence on the sandbank, including the adventure with Flounder, the burning of the Phantom, and the escape of the Maud.