Nor was it at all probable she would be
released until we were well at sea. Baffled by these conditions I
tossed and turned for an hour, hearing Henley return to his cabin, and
marking a swifter pulsation of the engines. Finally worn out mentally,
as well as physically, I fell asleep.
When I awoke the sun was shining through the glass of my porthole, and
glancing forth I caught the dazzle of the water. The vessel was
motionless, apparently riding at anchor, the sea barely rippled by a
gentle breeze. Refreshed by sleep and more eager than ever to be in
action, I dressed hurriedly, and stepped forth into the cabin. The
breakfast table was set for one, and the black steward was lolling
lazily in a chair. At sight of me he got to his feet.
"Ah suah thought you was n't nebber goin' ter wake up, sah," he said
genially, showing his teeth. "Ah bin waitin' fer yer mor'n two hours,
Ah reckon."
"For me! Have the others eaten then?"
"Mostly, sah, mostly. De Captain he nebber eat no breakfast; he say et
ain't good fer his libber--yaw; yaw!--but de mates dey both bin down."
"What time is it?"
"Most ten, sah."
"I did sleep, that 's a fact, Louis. However, I 'll try and do full
justice to anything you got," and I seated myself at the table.
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