The episode had passed in a moment, and Dick and the surgeon stood like men dumbfounded. Burke recovered himself:
“You’ve had a narrow squeak, my lad,” said he. “The man’s a maniac—look you, Captain!”
But Dick dashed his fist against the wall for mad.
CHAPTER IV.
VILLAINY.
I went on deck, to behold a night of calm and beauty. There was no moon; but the hosts of the stars burned in a clear element, upon a solemn ground, and I thought they were like gems in the mantle of God.
But, as I stood, leaning on the bulwarks, dreaming in the blue starlight, on a sudden a hand was laid on my shoulder, and a hearty voice cried:
“Wake up, young star-gazer! What are you dreaming of now? Wouldst know:
What worlds or what vast regions hold
The immortal mind that hath forsook
Her mansion in this fleshy nook?”