Some unconsidered current must have swept me to the right, for, when the outlines of the bark again became dimly visible through the night, I found myself well to starboard of the vessel, and quite likely would have passed it by altogether, but for the sudden rattle of a block aloft, causing me to glance in that direction.

The Old Navy waited, the Old Navy swore, While battleships costing two millions and more Reviewed the position from starboard to port: "It's small craft again, but we're terribly short; Let us pray for the Empire whose sun never sets;" Then the fishing fleet pensively hauled in its nets.

For, as to that whaler, I should have known better at once, if I had not been crazy, since she looked like a ship of death, her boom slamming to port and starboard on the gentle heave of the sea, and her fore-sail reefed that serene morning.