For things have happened since last I had opportunity to write
up this log. For that matter, I am now the keeper of the Elsinore's
official log as well, in which work Margaret helps me.
And I might have known it would happen. At four yesterday morning I
relieved Mr. Pike. When in the darkness I came up to him at the
break of the poop, I had to speak to him twice to make him aware of
my presence. And then he merely grunted acknowledgment in an absent
sort of way.
The next moment he brightened up, and was himself save that he was
too bright. He was making an effort. I felt this, but was quite
unprepared for what followed.
"I'll be back in a minute," he said, as he put his leg over the rail
and lightly and swiftly lowered himself down into the darkness.
There was nothing I could do. To cry out or to attempt to reason
with him would only have drawn the mutineers' attention. I heard his
feet strike the deck beneath as he let go. Immediately he started
for'ard. Little enough precaution he took. I swear that clear to
the 'midship-house I heard the dragging age-lag of his feet.
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