He was sharp, exact, and severe; he appreciated the dignity of his position, and he wished to let everybody see that he did so.

The men on board who had previously been workmen now became sailors--at least in the eyes of Captain Hubbell.
He did not know much about the work that they had been in the habit of doing, but he intended to teach them the duties of sailors just as soon as he could find any such duties for them to perform.

He walked about the deck with an important air, and looked for something about which he might give orders.

There were no masts or spars or shrouds or sheets, but there were tarpaulins on the deck, and these were soon arranged in seamanlike fashion.

A compass was rigged up on deck, and Captain Hubbell put himself into communication with the electric steersman.
It was morning when the Dipsey emerged from the sea, although day and night were equally bright at that season, and at twelve o'clock Captain Hubbell took an observation, assisted by Sammy.