structure was, there issued a cloud of steam as they approached. Suddenly, in the midst of the volume of vapor, there appeared the round, good-natured, freckled face of a lad of about Raynor’s own age. His head, of bright red hair, was uncovered, and he wore a very dirty apron about his waist.

“Noddy Nipper,” said Terror Carson, nodding toward Raynor, “here’s our assistant cook. Make him work, and if there’s any nonsense report him to me. That’s all.”

With an upward look at the sails, he turned on the heel of his big sea-boots and strode off aft, leaving the half-stupefied Raynor staring at the red-headed youth.

CHAPTER IX: A JOKE ON POMPEY.

“So, youse is de guy what was floating about on a chunk uv ice tryin’ ter be pals wid a poley bear?” said Noddy, with an accent that betrayed him at once as being from the Bowery, or near it.

Raynor smiled faintly.

“Well, I got bounced off my ship on to that iceberg and came nearly being a meal for the bear if it hadn’t been for your captain, Terror Carson, as he calls himself.”

“An’ he’s a Terror, all right, all right, take dat right frum yer Uncle Dudley,” said Noddy, sinking his voice mysteriously. “I feel kind er sorry fer youse, fer youse ain’t ther sort as belongs aboard this wind-jammer. But take it frum me, kid, if yer follers my advice you’ll git along all right. An’ now let’s put youse ter woik.

“I see old Terror lookin’ this way. Jes’ trim them murphies uv their packets an’ then I’ll think up suthin’ else fer yer ter do. Gee! I’m reg’lar Fi’t Averner style all right, wid me valley an’ all.”

Raynor determined to make the best of a bad job. At least Noddy, as he was called, seemed to be friendly and kind-hearted under his odd exterior. The young engineer turned up his sleeves and went valiantly to work. In a few moments Noddy, who had been busy over a big pan of “scouse,” came to inspect his handiwork.

“Gee!” he exclaimed with scorn, “youse has got a lot ter learn erbout peelin’ spuds. Youse cut off more pertater than yer do skin. Do it dis way. Watch me.”

Raynor did better after this lesson, and before long had a big bucket-full of peeled potatoes that passed even Noddy’s critical examination.

“We’s ull put 

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