Powell placing himself on the break of the poop kept a look-out.

When after some time he turned his head to steal a glance at his eccentric captain he could not see his active and shadowy figure swinging to and fro.

The second mate of the _Ferndale_ walked aft peering about and addressed the seaman who steered.
"Captain gone below ?" "Yes, sir," said the fellow who with a quid of tobacco bulging out his left cheek kept his eyes on the compass card.

"This minute.

He laughed." "Laughed," repeated Powell incredulously.