Captain Len Guy took up his telescope again, and turned it upon these moving masses; he observed them with much attention, and cried out in a loud voice,—
“Steer south-sou’-west!”
West gave orders to execute the manœuvres. The sailors hesitated an instant. Then, recalled to obedience, they began to brace the yards and slack the sheets, and the schooner increased her speed.
When the operation was over, I went up to Hurliguerly, and drawing him aside, I said,—
“Thank you, boatswain.”
“Ah, Mr. Jeorling,” he replied, shaking his head, “it is all very fine for this time, but you must not do it again! Everyone would turn against me, even Endicott, perhaps.”
“I have urged nothing which is not at least probable,” I answered sharply.
“I don’t deny that fact, Mr. Jeorling.”
“Yes, Hurliguerly, yes—I believe what I have said, and I have no doubt but that we shall really see the land beyond the icebergs.”
“Just possible, Mr. Jeorling, quite possible. But it must appear before two days, or, on the word of a boatswain, nothing can prevent us from putting about!”