As soon as I shouted "come back!" the bird, as if giving heed to my exhortation, slowly veered, and turned toward the ship again. Everybody had laughed till they nearly sank on deck, at my naïve words.
Now a spontaneous cheer went up, as the hen slowly tacked and started back....
It was still weather, but the ship was moving ahead....
"She won't make it!"
"She will!"
Another great shout. She lit astern, right by the wheel. Straightway she began running forward, wings spread in genuine triumph.
"Catch her!" shouted the mate.
Nobody obeyed him; they stood by laughing and cheering, till the hen made safety beneath the forecastle head.
She was spared for three days.