We might have had an accident." "What were you doing ?" said Hazel, in a voice that quavered in spite of him.
"Repairing the ship.

Found a crack or two in her inner skin.

There, let me get a light, and I'll explain it to you, sir." He groped his way out, and invited Mr.Hazel into his cabin.

There he struck a light, and, with great civility, tendered an explanation.

The ship, he said, had labored a good deal in the last gale, and he had discovered one or two flaws in her, which were of no immediate importance; but experience had taught him that in calm weather a ship ought to be kept tight.