All the officers who kept watches were required to "take the sun," and at the moment the meridian was crossed, the captain gave the word to "make it noon," and the great bell sounded out eight bells.

The officers proceeded to figure up the results of the observations.

The longitude and latitude were entered on the log slate, to be transferred to the log book.

Baskirk was directed to take the starboard watch, and he was formally presented to the second lieutenant by the captain; and whatever his feeling or opinions in regard to the step which had just been taken, he accepted the hand of the new officer and treated him with proper courtesy.
"Latitude 37 deg.

52'," said the captain significantly, as he led the way down from the bridge, attended by the first and third lieutenants.
They followed him to the captain's cabin.