that you let them fall. That's so, isn't it, dear cook? You won't
punish him, will you?"

The cook's anger was somewhat mollified. The good-natured man was
pleased with the boys, and gave them both some breakfast on a little
table. Peppo told of his adventures, and Willy comforted him by
saying, "You have been disobedient and you'll have to take your
punishment, but the dear God ordained it that you should come to me.
We'll pray together and be good, so that our holy guardian angels will
take us back to Hongkong again to the Fathers."

Just here the boatswain came in and ordered Willy on deck, or they
would have continued talking indefinitely.




CHAPTER VIII.

A Very Real Danger.

Meanwhile the "St. George" under full sail and well over on her side
was running before a strong west wind. The waves washed over the deck;
the sea was so rough that it was hard for an experienced seaman to make
his way, and only those sure of foot and hand dared venture on the
rigging. Nevertheless Redfox ordered Willy to climb the mainmast with
him to help unfurl the sail at the very top.

"If you want to be a good seaman like your father you must learn to
climb the rigging not only in a light breeze like this but also in a