Captain Chris was the strongest and best swimmer I ever saw.
[Illustration: "WE STRUCK OUT TOGETHER FOR THE BOAT."] Rectus was leaning over, ready to help, and he caught me by the arm as I reached up for the side of the boat.
"No," said I, "take this," and he seized the sea-feather and pulled it in.

Then the captain gave me a hoist, and I clambered on board.
The captain had some towels under the little forward deck, and I gave myself a good rub down and dressed.

Then I went to look at my prize.

No wonder it was heavy.

It had a young rock, a foot long, fast to its root.
"You sp'iled one o' de puttiest things in that garden down there," said the captain.