Tom had brought a baseball to the deck and was having a catch with Sam.

The boys enjoyed the fun for quite a while and did not notice the mate near them.
"Can you throw it up over that rope ?" asked Sam, pointing to a stay over his head.
"Sure thing!" cried Tom.
"Look out you don't throw it overboard." "I'll take care," answered the fun-loving Rover, and launched the baseball high into the air.

Just then the steam yacht gave a lurch, the ball hit the mainmast, and down it bounced squarely upon Asa Carey's head, knocking the mate's cap over his eyes and sending him staggering backwards.
"Hi, hi! you young rascals!" roared the mate.

"What do you mean by such conduct ?" "Excuse me," replied Tom, humbly.

"I didn't mean to hit you.