The atmosphere below must have been very oppressive indeed to induce Mr.Barker to come up before breakfast--in fact, before eight o'clock--for the sake of smoking a solitary cigar up there by the catharpings.

Mr.Barker wanted to think, for an idea had struck him during the night.
In ten minutes the parade of deck-swabbers had passed, and Claudius also appeared on deck, looking haggard and pale.

He did not see Barker, for he turned, seaman-like, to the weatherside, and the try-sail hid his friend from his sight.

Presently he too thought he would go aloft, for he felt cramped and weary, and fancied a climb would stretch his limbs.
He went right up to the crosstrees before he espied Barker, a few feet below him on the other side.

He stopped a moment in astonishment, for this sort of diversion was the last thing he had given the American credit for.