They seemed to be all close as usual, but I now observed for the first time that they were covered with heavy tarpauling.

Wondering; in my own mind what could be the reason for these extra precautions I did not say anything to M.Letourneur, but determined to wait until the mate should come on watch, when he would doubtless give me, I thought, an explanation of the mystery.
The sun rose gloriously, with every promise of a fine dry day.

The waning moon was yet above the western horizon, for as it still wants three days to her last quarter she does not set until 10.57 am.

On consulting my almanac, I find that there will be a new moon on the 24th, and that on that day, little as it may affect us here in mid ocean, the phenomenon of the high sygyzian tides will take place on the shores of every continent and island.
At the breakfast hour M.Letourneur and Andre went below for a cup of tea, and I remained on the poop alone.

As I expected, Curtis appeared, that he might relieve Lieutenant Walter of the watch.