CHAPTER 7

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    Later in the day I got together the whole crew, and told them, as
    they evidently thought there was some one in the ship, we would
    search from stem to stern. First mate angry, said it was folly,
    and to yield to such foolish ideas would demoralise the men, said
    he would engage to keep them out of trouble with the handspike. I
    let him take the helm, while the rest began a thorough search, all
    keeping abreast, with lanterns. We left no corner unsearched. As
    there were only the big wooden boxes, there were no odd corners
    where a man could hide. Men much relieved when search over, and
    went back to work cheerfully. First mate scowled, but said
    nothing.

    22 July.--Rough weather last three days, and all hands busy
    with sails, no time to be frightened. Men seem to have
    forgotten their dread. Mate cheerful again, and all on
    good terms. Praised men for work in bad weather. Passed
    Gibraltar and out through Straits. All well.

    24 July.--There seems some doom over this ship. Already a hand
    short, and entering the Bay of Biscay with wild weather ahead, and
    yet last night another man lost, disappeared. Like the first, he
    came off his watch and was not seen again. Men all in a panic of
    fear, sent a round robin, asking to have double watch, as they
    fear to be alone. Mate angry. Fear there will be some trouble,
    as either he or the men will do some violence.

    28 July.--Four days in hell, knocking about in a sort of
    maelstrom, and the wind a tempest. No sleep for any one.
    Men all worn out. Hardly know how to set a watch, since no
    one fit to go on. Second mate volunteered to steer and
    watch, and let men snatch a few hours sleep. Wind abating,
    seas still terrific, but feel them less, as ship is
    steadier.

    29 July.--Another tragedy. Had single watch tonight, as crew too
    tired to double. When morning watch came on deck could find no
    one except steersman. Raised outcry, and all came on deck.
    Thorough search, but no one found. Are now without second mate,
    and crew in a panic. Mate and I agreed to go armed henceforth and
    wait for any sign of cause.

    30 July.--Last night. Rejoiced we are nearing England. Weather
    fine, all sails set. Retired worn out, slept soundly, awakened by
    mate telling me that both man of watch and steersman missing.
    Only self and mate and two hands left to work ship.

    1 August.--Two days of fog, and not a sail sighted. Had hoped
    when in the English Channel to be able to signal for help or get
    in somewhere. Not having power to work sails, have to run before
    wind. Dare not lower, as could not raise them again. We seem to
    be drifting to some terrible doom. Mate now more demoralised than
    either of men. His stronger nature seems to have worked inwardly
    against himself. Men are beyond fear, working stolidly and
    patiently, with minds made up to worst. They are Russian, he
    Roumanian.