I go to my bed." He made a motion to go, but the Skipper reached out a long arm, and the next moment the bold youth was dangling over the side of the vessel, clutching at the air, and crying aloud to all the saints in the calendar.
"Shall I let go ?" asked the Skipper, in his quiet tone.
"Ah! no, distinguished Patron!" cried Franci.

"Let me not go! This water is abominable.

Release me, and I will get the lemonade.

It is my wish that you may both be drowned in it, but I will get it,--oh, yes, assuredly!" He was set down, and vanished into the cabin; the Skipper, as if this were the most ordinary occurrence in the world, led the way to the after-rail, and seated himself, motioning to John to take a place beside him.
"What is the matter with him ?" asked the boy, looking after Franci.
"I think him slightly a fool," was the reply, as the Skipper puffed leisurely at his cigar.

"His parents, worthy people, desired him to be a sailor, but that he can never be.