So to-day
we have not even a man at the wheel. The Elsinore drifts idly on an
idle sea, and we stand regular watches in the shelter of chart-house
and jiggermast. Mr. Pike says it is the laziest time he has had on
the whole voyage.
I alternate watches with him, although when on duty there is little
to be done, save, in the daytime, to stand rifle in hand behind the
jiggermast, and, in the night, to lurk along the break of the poop.
Behind the chart-house, ready to repel assault, are my watch of four
men: Tom Spink, Wada, Buckwheat, and Louis. Henry, the two Japanese
sail-makers, and the old steward compose Mr. Pike's watch.
It is his orders that no one for'ard is to be allowed to show
himself, so, to-day, when the second mate appeared at the corner of
the 'midship-house, I made him take a quick leap back with the thud
of my bullet against the iron wall a foot from his head. Charles
David tried the same game and was similarly stimulated.
Also, this evening, after dark, Mr. Pike put block-and-tackle on the
first section of the bridge, heaved it out of place, and lowered it
upon the poop.
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