I became restless and anxious, and when Thomas Mugridge glared down the companion-way, sick and angry of countenance, I prepared to go about my duties.

But Wolf Larsen cried out to him: "Cooky, you've got to hustle to-night.

I'm busy with Hump, and you'll do the best you can without him." And again the unprecedented was established.

That night I sat at table with the captain and the hunters, while Thomas Mugridge waited on us and washed the dishes afterward--a whim, a Caliban-mood of Wolf Larsen's, and one I foresaw would bring me trouble.

In the meantime we talked and talked, much to the disgust of the hunters, who could not understand a word..