"
Christobal smiled. Though he was a brave man, he thought such persistent
optimism was out of place. Nevertheless, he could emulate Courtenay's
coolness.
"Let me know when you are ready. I am an excellent cook," he said.
Then the captain of the _Kansas_ resumed his smoking and humming, with
occasional glances at the clock, and the compass, and the barometer. At
two o'clock he felt the ship slipping from under the wheel. The compass
showed that she was heading a couple of points eastward. He helped her,
and telephoned instantly to Walker:
"Go forward and try if you can make out anything. Report to me here."
"Ay, ay, sir," came the reply, and anon Walker appeared.
"It's main thick ahead, sir, but I think we-aw passin' an island to
port," said he.
"I thought so. You had better remain here, Walker. We have not long to
wait now for the dawn, and four eyes are better than two."
Walker imagined that the skipper was ready for a chat.
"Things are in a dweadful mess below, sir. I can't make head or tail of
the smash."
"Well, that must wait. Don't talk. Keep a sharp lookout.
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