With the exception of himself nearly the whole ship's company were forward.

The commander watched him with interest when he stopped in the vicinity of the deaf mute, who also halted in the presence of the second lieutenant.

Then they walked together towards the companion way, and disappeared behind the mainmast.
Christy had not before noticed any intercourse between the lieutenant and the scullion, though he thought it a little odd that the officer should set the man at work cleaning the brasses about the door of the captain's cabin, a matter that belonged to the steward's department.

He had learned from Flint that Mulgrum had been recommended to the chief steward by Lillyworth, so that it was evident enough that they had been acquainted before either of them came on board.

But he could not see them behind the mast, and he desired very much to know what they were doing.
Flint had taken his supper before he went on duty on the bridge, and the table was waiting for the other ward room officers who had just been relieved.