They turn to the left and push me into a cabin.

It is lighted by a port-hole, which is open, and through which the fresh air comes in gusts from the briny.

The furniture consists of a bunk, a chair, a chest of drawers, a wash-hand-stand and a table.
The latter is spread for dinner, and I sit down.

Then the cook's mate comes in with two or three dishes.

He is a colored lad, and as he is about to withdraw, I try to question him, but he, too, vouchsafes no reply.