This was a rebuff not to be mistaken, and the joke passed
about among the crew by winks and signs, at different parts of the
ship. Finding himself disappointed at headquarters, he edged along
forward to the mate, who was overseeing some work on the forecastle,
and tried to begin a yarn; but it would not do. The mate had seen
the reception he had met with aft, and would have no cast-off company.
The second mate was aloft, and the third mate and myself were painting
the quarter-boat, which hung by the davits, so he betook himself to
us; but we looked at one another, and the officer was too busy to
say a word. From us, he went to one and another of the crew, but the
joke had got before him, and he found everybody busy and silent.
Looking over the rail a few moments afterward, we saw him at the
galley-door talking to the cook. This was a great comedown, from the
highest seat in the synagogue to a seat in the galley with the black
cook. At night too, when supper was called, he stood in the waist
for some time, hoping to be asked down with the officers, but they
went below, one after another, and left him.
Pages:
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446