The huge foremast, close against which I swung, grew bulkier as I descended.

Suddenly my feet touched the solid deck.

I discovered myself between the foremast and the rail, so dropping upon hands and knees I crept silently around, hoping thus to gain clearer view forward.

As I circled the vast butt of the mast I came suddenly face to face with the friar, sitting upon the deck and blinking at me with drunken gravity..