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It was a cutthroat business, this mighty pull for the market; but

upon it not only depended the practical consideration of the

highest market prices, but the honor and glory of owning the

fastest schooner out of Freekirk Head. The task of the Charming

Lass was delightful in its simplicity, but fearful in its

arduousness.

Jimmie Thomas came aft and stood by the wheel on the port side.

It took two men to handle her now, for the vast, dead weight in

her hold flung her forward and sidewise, despite the muscular

clutch on the wheel, and when she rolled down she came up

sluggishly.

"Isn't she a dog, though, Code?" exclaimed Jimmie in admiration.

"Look at that now! Rose to it like a duck. See her now jest

a-playin' with them waves! Jest a-playin'! Oh, she's a dog,

skipper--a dog, I tell ye! Drive her! She loves it!"

"I'll drive her, Jimmie; don't you worry. Before I get through

some fellers I know'll wish they'd never heard of driving." He

motioned Pete Ellinwood aft with a free hand.