“Then this crow’s-nest is for a look-out place?” said Steve.
“That’s it, sir. Makes a nice snug cover for a man to stand in when we’re among the walrus or seals, or seeking a way through the ice.”
“And this ladder is for a man to creep up and get in through the bottom?”
“Right again, sir; you don’t want no telling. He creeps up the ladder, in through the bottom, shuts the door down, and there he is, able to look out eight or nine miles any way.”
Steve looked down, and could see that the men on deck were making the great cask fast to the end of the line. Then, turning to the man again:
“You said something about looking out for ice.”
“Ay, sir, I did.”
“How long will it be before we come in sight of any?”
The sailors both looked at him and smiled.
“’Bout as long as it takes to cast your eyes to the nor’ard, sir.”