There was no opportunity for argument as to what had been seen and heard, since every man Jack of us could do no less than give the same evidence.
It was no longer an omen which might be construed equally well to mean good or evil; but a fact, to which the officers could testify as well as the men.
When the starboard watch gained the gun-deck, after having been so soundly rated by the captain, it was as if each man was paralysed with fear by that mysterious thing which had come upon us.
During many moments no one spoke. Each seemed to be waiting for the other, and not daring to venture a remark until the conversation had been opened.
Those of the men whose hammocks were slung well forward clustered aft, where some of the elder members of the watch were lighting their pipes preparatory to a smoking-match, when, as we lads knew full well, all the occurrences of the evening would be discussed.
None of the crew appeared willing to remain in the vicinity of the forward hatchway, and more than one sat facing aft, lest there might yet be some horrible thing to be seen in the bow of the ship.
During this time of silence the thought came to me suddenly that Captain Ropes himself must have been in a certain degree impressed by the voice, else would he have tried to convince the men that it was nothing supernatural, instead of railing at them as he did.
The mind of a sailorman can be coaxed into almost whatsoever channel you will; but it is not often possible to force it.
Simon remained very near my side, and I was truly thankful that he did so, because it seemed to me as if I really needed close contact with some human being upon whom I could rely, in order to aid me in warding off the terrible thing which appeared to threaten all on board.