Later that day Captain Spark instructed Bob in some simple duties which would be his to perform during the voyage.

He was to act in the capacity of cabin boy.
Now that Bob was in his usual spirits he began to feel an inclination to be at some of his pranks.

He thought, with a sigh, that he had not played a good joke since the affair of the step-ladder, the cook and the hired man.

So he began to look about and consider the possibilities of indulging in some pranks.
But Bob had about made up his mind not to bother the sailors.

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.