Muttering angry oaths, von Giespert drew up and signed a document to that effect and handed it to the leader of the deputation. The men withdrew, and for the present at least the trouble had blown itself out.
At eleven on the following morning smoke began to issue from the Zug's funnel. Half an hour later steam was raised, and by noon the safety-valves were lifting under the internal pressure. The chief engineer reported that all was ready; but no answering clang of the bridge-telegraph was transmitted to the engine-room.
Von Giespert, on the bridge, was hesitating.
"What is the glass doing?" he inquired.
"It has risen a point since six this morning, Herr Kapitan," reported the quartermaster.
Von Giespert shrugged his shoulders. He had not even the excuse of approaching bad weather to delay him.
With feelings akin to those of a man about to plunge into icy-cold water he leant over the bridge stanchion-rail. The bos'un in the fo'c'sle had already shortened cable and was awaiting the command to weigh.
The kapitan nodded. At the signal the steam capstan began to clink.
"Up and down, sir," announced one of the men, and a few moments later the rusty stockless anchor came into view.
"Easy ahead."