Half and quarter knots are indicated on the line.
"Now, quartermaster, mind your eye.

When the officer of the deck says, 'Turn,' you repeat the word after him, to show that you are alive," continued Peaks.
"Ready!" said Gordon.
"Ready!" replied Smith.
The lieutenant threw the chip into the water, and when the stray line had run off, he gave the word to turn the glass.
"Turn!" repeated Smith.
Gordon eased off the log-line, so that nothing should prevent it from running easily.
"Up!" shouted Smith; and Gordon stopped the line.
"Very well," added Peaks.

"What's the mark ?" "Ten and a quarter," replied the officer.
"That sounds more like it.

I knew this ship was going more than seven knots.

You see, young gentlemen, you can't catch flies and tend the log-line at the same time.