And that night both Crampe and Evans disappeared.
"I believe I 'eard a splash soon after six bells," said old Brooks. "Mates, this is most 'orrid. I feels as if I should be drawed overboard by a mermaid in spite of myself."
And Watchett went raving crazy.
Ryder came on board the Battle-Axe as soon as the latest news was signalled to him. Mrs. Ryder declined to go, but she gave him a timely piece of advice.
"Don't let him off the bet, Will, or I'll never forgive you."
"I won't do that," said her husband, hastily, as if he hadn't been thinking of doing it.
"And if he asks for a man or two, you know we're short-handed already."
"Tell me something I don't know," said Ryder, a trifle crossly. Even his sweet temper suffered in 115deg. in the shade.
"I dare say I could," said his wife, when he was in the boat; "I dare say I could."
Watchett received his cousin with an air of gloom that would have struck a damp on anything anywhere but the Equator.