"No, sir."
"Then, in the devil's name, what is it?"
"We think the cap-irons of the rudder have worked loose."
"What!"
For a few seconds no one spoke.
"Are you sure?" asked the captain.
"Take the wheel, sir, and see what you think of it."
The captain spun the wheel first one way and then another. He thrust his cap back off his forehead, thrust his hands into his trousers-pockets, and remained motionless for a few moments.
Over the rudder-head was an ornamental seat.
"Carpenter," said the captain, "bring your tools and a lantern. Knock away this seat, and let us see how things are."