hurricane. You want to get so that you can run around up there like a
squirrel in a Christmas tree. There is no danger; just hold tight to
the rigging with one hand and don't get frightened when the boat
pitches. You can't learn to do any climbing that's worth while
standing around here on deck. Up, my little man, let's see if you have
any nerve."

"Yes, I have nerve, and lots of times in pleasant weather I've been up
the mast, but when the ship rocks as it does now, my father would never
let me think of going up," answered Willy.

"And he had good reason, too," put in the helmsman, who was standing
near Redfox and had heard all the conversation.

"I never heard of such a thing as asking the cabin-boy to climb the
rigging when the sea is rough, and before he has had a chance to prove
himself a good climber in pleasant weather. Master Willy, don't obey
any such foolhardy order. The Captain, I am sure, does not want you to
try any such thing."

"Oho, helmsman, you dare to order this boy to be insubordinate, do you?
I'll have you put in irons for your impudence," cried Redfox, giving
him a wicked look.

"Green, don't be frightened. I can climb much better than you think,
and then besides my guardian angel will watch over me and keep me from
falling. I am sure I won't come down any more of a corpse than I did
from the dome of the cathedral. I must obey this man. Let me go. You
just see my guardian angel will take care of me."