Fain would I have prolonged my stay upon the shores of Neptune’s Caldron, but I observed that the steam from the waters was disagreeable to Bulger.
With speaking eyes, he implored me to hoist sail and seek some, to him pleasanter land.
I could not withstand that appeal.
So I made a farewell survey of the egg mounds, gazed my last at the red-shelled crustaceans and chalky-eyed fish of the Caldron and went aboard of my staunch vessel.
Heading now westward, I crowded sail, intending to hug the China Coast pretty closely on my homeward voyage. All went well for the first few days after leaving Neptune’s Caldron.
Bulger ranged the deck, playing the maddest capers.
Thoughts of home now began to occupy my mind.
The elder baron was growing old. I felt that I ought not to prolong my voyage. He might be in need of my counsels.
Suddenly, one day, at high noon, the skies darkened, the winds sprang up.
I thought nothing of it.