I did all I could to quiet him, but in vain.
His reason was slowly but surely giving way.
Calling the mate to me, I put him in command of the vessel, and directed him to confine the captain in his cabin and place a guard over him.
It cut me to the heart to be obliged to do this, for the poor fellow begged like a dog to be left in command of his ship.
But I was deaf to his entreaties.
I felt that now all trouble was at an end.
The wind was blowing fifteen knots an hour.
Every stitch of sail had been crowded on.
We fairly leapt out of the water like a thing of life, half flying half swimming.
Ever and anon I glanced at the compass.