The first mate, who was on the bridge, regarded him curiously, and then, with an insufferable air of authority, ordered him away.
The captain obeyed mechanically and, turning a deaf ear to the inquiries of the men, prepared to make the best of an intolerable situation, and began to cleanse his bunk.

First of all he took out the bedding and shook it thoroughly, and then, pro-curing soap and a bucket of water, began to scrub with a will.

Hostile comments followed the action.
"We ain't clean enough for 'im," said one voice.
"Partikler old party, ain't he, Bill ?" said another.
"You leave 'im alone," said the man addressed, surveying the captain's efforts with a smile of approval.

"You keep on, Nugent, don't you mind 'im.

There's a little bit there you ain't done." [Illustration: "You keep on, Nugent, don't you mind 'im."] "Keep your head out of the way, unless you want it knocked off," said the incensed captain.
"Ho!" said the aggrieved Bill.