(A long wail is heard from the deck above: "Ah bl-o-o-o-ow!" A moment later the MATE'S face appears through the skylight. He cannot see MRS. KEENEY.)
MATE (in great excitement). Whales, sir—a whole school of 'em—off the starb'd quarter 'bout five mile away—big ones!
KEENEY (galvanized into action). Are you lowerin' the boats?
MATE. Yes, sir.
KEENEY (with grim decision). I'm a-comin' with ye.
MATE. Aye, aye, sir. (Jubilantly) You'll git the ile now right enough, sir.
(His head is withdrawn and he can be heard shouting orders.)
KEENEY (turning to his wife). Annie! Did you hear him? I'll git the ile. (She doesn't answer or seem to know he is there. He gives a hard laugh, which is almost a groan.) I know you're foolin' me, Annie. You ain't out of your mind—(anxiously) be you? I'll git the ile now right enough—jest a little while longer, Annie—then we'll turn hom'ard. I can't turn back now, you see that, don't ye? I've got to git the ile. (In sudden terror) Answer me! You ain't mad, be you?
(She keeps on playing the organ, but makes no reply. The MATE'S face appears again through the skylight.)
MATE. All ready, sir.