Cap'n Barnaby spotted something silver bobbing in the blue waves. A shimmering shell! He raced across the deck of the Salty Tail, his paws slapping the wood.
The wind caught his crimson bandana and flapped it wildly in the salty breeze. He leaned over the rail, reaching eagerly for the silver treasure. The Salty Tail surged forward, faster than ever before.
But suddenly, dark clouds rolled in from the west, swallowing the sky. A squall! Cap'n Barnaby's ears perked up. Storm weather was heading right for them.
Cap'n Barnaby braced his paws firmly against the helm and turned the wheel hard to port. The Salty Tail shuddered and groaned as a huge wave slapped against the hull. Water sprayed across the deck.
Lightning flashed across the gray sky. Cap'n Barnaby's glass eye caught the bright light and flashed back like a tiny star. He held on tight to the wheel.
Soon the storm broke and the clouds began to part slowly. The sky turned molten gold, painting every wave in warm light. The worst of the squall had passed.
Cap'n Barnaby looked back at the dark horizon behind him. Then he turned his gaze ahead toward the glowing coast. Home was near. He gave the wheel a firm tug.
The Salty Tail glided smoothly through the golden waves. Cap'n Barnaby's ears relaxed and his tail gave a happy wag. They were making good time.
Cap'n Barnaby dropped anchor at the familiar dock with a splash. He leaped onto the weathered planks with a happy bark, his tail wagging. The Salty Tail bobbed gently at rest.
A small wooden boat from the shore bobbed nearby. Then Cap'n Barnaby spotted something on the railing — a single wet paw print. Someone had been waiting.