"All the pumps in the ship would not keep down such a leak as this." Reuben at once set to work, cutting a deep groove in the stern post.

He butted some stout pieces of wood into this, and wedged the other ends firmly against the first rib.

Then he set to work to jam down sail cloth and oakum between this barrier and the plank that had started, driving it down with a marlinespike and mallet.

It was a long job, but it was securely done; and at last Reuben had the satisfaction of seeing that a mere driblet of water was making its way down, behind the stuffing, into the ship.
"That's a first-rate job, lad," Bill said approvingly.

"Half an hour's work once a week will keep her dry, if there is no water finds its way in anywhere else." Reuben went aft to the well.