صفحة 172 من 416

The men stretched themselves after their cramped quarters, and

greeted the cook's announcement with delight.

"You fellers fix tables fer dressin' down while the fust half

mugs up," said Tanner. "Everybody lively now. I cal'late to move

just a little bit. The bottom here don't suit me yet."

He went down from the poop and walked the deck, listening between

clangings of the bell for any sound of an approaching vessel. The

crew worked swiftly at dressing and salting the catch.

"Haul up anchor," he ordered when the work was done.

The watch laid hold the windlass poles and hauled the vessel

forward directly above her hook. Then there was a concerted heave

and the ground tackle broke loose and came up with a rush.