He did not like to go on deck and inform the principal of the conduct of Pelham, but he could not submit to the indignity cast upon him.

He went out into the cabin, and threw himself upon the cushioned divan, under the stern ports of the ship.
This would have been a very satisfactory place to sleep under ordinary circumstances; but Goodwin had hardly secured a comfortable position, before the heavy rolling and pitching of the vessel tumbled him off, and he measured his length on the cabin floor--a very undignified situation for a third lieutenant.

He picked himself up in the darkness, and tried it again, but with no better success than before.

He had fully intended to go on deck and inform the principal of the misconduct of Pelham, which had driven him from his room; but he shrank from the task.
What Goodwin was attempting to do on the divan many of the officers were striving to do in their berths, though with better success than attended his efforts.

It was not an easy matter to stay in the berths; and this done, the situation was far from comfortable.