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Updated: May 12, 2025
Even Bob, who was not used to roughing it as were the sailors, stood it bravely, though the hot sun made his head ache. Mr. Tarbill, who was in the stern, near Captain Spark, arose and started forward. As he did so a wave, larger than any that the boat had previously encountered, careened the craft a bit. "Oh, I'm going overboard!" exclaimed Mr. Tarbill.
Bob pretended to grasp the rail to prevent being tossed overboard by the expected shock. Mr. Tarbill did the same, and with anxious fears waited for what would happen next. Then the ship seemed to give a great shiver as a big wave struck under the port bow. "He's hit us!" cried Bob, trying not to laugh. "Quick! Get me a life-preserver!" exclaimed Mr. Tarbill. "A life-preserver!
He was a little afraid of them, as they were big, strong men, and he had a suspicion that they were only waiting for him to begin operations before they would do something on their own account. Bob had an idea they might tie him to a rope, throw him overboard and duck him. That, he thought, would be pretty harsh treatment. "I wish Mr. Tarbill would come from his stateroom," Bob mused.
"Our boat must have been close to the island when it capsized," replied the former commander of the Eagle. "A big wave did the business for us, and then it was every man for himself. Poor Tarbill, he's lost, and so is Pete Bascom. We'll never see either of 'em again. And I'm afraid the rest of the crew are gone, too. No boat could live long in that sea." "Mr. Tarbill is alive," said Bob.
Tarbill resented Bob's joke, and had not spoken to the boy since the "whale" incident. But Bob did not mind this. There was plenty to keep him occupied, with his duties to perform and sailors' stories to listen to.
Once the Eagle was almost on her beam ends, but skilful handling brought her once more up into the teeth of the wind and she rode the waves lightly, like the gallant craft she was. The nervousness of Mr. Tarbill increased. He would not stay alone in his cabin, and finally begged for Bob to keep him company.
Carr passed the boy. "What's the matter?" he asked. "You look rather white about the gills, messmate." "I I don't feel very well," replied Bob. "Better go and lie down then. I guess you're in for a spell of seasickness. Mr. Tarbill has already got his." Bob thought it would be best to follow the advice. He went to his berth, and soon he was a very sick boy.
"Indeed it is," was the reply. "I thought that was a locket," said Bob. "I noticed it on the watch chain several times." "It was given to me by my uncle, years ago," said Mr. Tarbill. "Please don't lose it." "I'll keep it safe, don't fear," answered the captain. "Reckon it is safer in my keepin' than yours," he added. With the discovery of the tiny compass the hopes of the castaways revived.
"Suppose they should eat us up?" "They'd have to fight first," observed the captain grimly. "I'll not be eaten without a struggle." "But I never fought a cannibal in my life," objected the nervous castaway. "I shouldn't know how to go about it." "No more would I, but I'd soon learn. But don't think about such things, Mr. Tarbill." "I can't help it.
For an instant the boy could scarcely believe his eyesight. Then, with a cry, he rushed forward. "It's Mr. Tarbill!" he exclaimed. "He, too, must have fallen overboard and been washed ashore. But he seems to be hurt." The man's eyes were closed and he was scarcely breathing. "He's dying!" thought Bob, his heart beating hard.
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