But Bob did not mind this.

There was plenty to keep him occupied, with his duties to perform and sailors' stories to listen to.
When they were out about two weeks there came a day when there was only the lightest breeze, The _Eagle_ barely had steerageway over the sea, which was as quiet and still as a small lake.

The blue waters sparkled in the bright sun, and as Bob lounged about on deck he felt a lazy contentment which was probably caused by the near approach to the tropical zone.
He looked up at the towering masts, and an idea came to him.
"If I could climb up there," he said, "I could have a fine view.

I ought to be able to see a vessel from that height.

Guess I'll do it.