CHAPTER XXII.
THE MORNING COFFEE.
Captain Abraham Wheeler and his mate had both good heads for carrying liquor, therefore what might have knocked down ordinary men merely made them slightly muddled and sleepy, with the desire to turn in a little sooner than usual.
The doctor and Dennis, feigning to share the festive bowl, lured them to empty it, and when that was done were not a little surprised, as well as disappointed, to observe how steadily both these hardy mariners were able to walk when they rose from the table and proposed a promenade on deck before retiring. They agreed, however, eagerly, for the little cabin was stuffy and close, and they wanted to see the effect of the fresh night air on that punch.
The officers on the watch, from their dark corners, saw the skipper and his friends emerge from the companion and were instantly upon their feet. Leaving their inamoratas still sitting waiting on their return, they came forward and saluted the old man and made their report of the ship's progress. She was now going by
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