ssed
a stout new rope from a belaying-pin through this hole, and then he
betrayed his watch on deck by hauling the end up with a clew, and gently
returning it to the deep with a long grappling-iron made fast to it.
This had not fluke enough to lay fast hold and bring the vessel up; for
in that case it would have been immediately discovered; but it dragged
along the bottom like a trawl, and by its weight, and a hitch every now
and then in some hole, it hampered quite sufficiently the objectionable
voyage. Instead of meeting her consorts in the cloud of early morning,
the Swordfish was scarcely abreast of the Southern Cheek by the middle
of the afternoon. No wonder if Commander Nettlebones was in a fury
long ere that, and fitted neither to give nor take the counsel of calm
wisdom; and this condition of his mind, as well as the loss of precious
time, should have been taken into more consideration by those who
condemned him for the things that followed.

"Better late than never, as they say," he cried, when the Kestrel and
the Albatross hove in sight. "Tomkins, signal to make sail and close.
We seem to be moving more lively at last. I suppose we are out of that
infernal under-tow."

"Well, sir, she seems like herself a little more. She've had a witch on
board of her, that's where it is. When I were a younker, just joined his
Majesty's forty-two-gun frigate--"

"Stow that, Tomkins. No time now. I remember all about it, and very good
it is. Let us have it all again when this job is done with. Bowler and
Donovan will pick holes if they can, after waiting for us half a day.
Not a word about our slow sailing, mind; leave that to me. They are
framptious enough. Have everything trim, and all hands ready. When they
range within hail, sing out for both to come to me."

It was pretty to see the three cutters meet, all handled as smartly
as possible; for the Flamborough man had cast off his clog, and the
Swordfish again was as nimble as need be. Lieutenants Bowler and Donovan
were soon in the cabin of their senior officer, and durst not question
him very strictly as to his breach of rendezvous, for his manner was
short and sharp with them.

"There is plenty of time, if we waste it not in talking," he said, when
they had finished comparing notes. "All these reports we are bound to
receive and consider; but I believe none of them. The reason why poor
Carroway has made nothing but a mess of it is that he will listen to the
country