It was time for Lillyworth to go to the meal, but he did not go, and he seemed to be otherwise engaged.

After a while, Christy looked at his watch, and found that a quarter of an hour had elapsed since the second lieutenant had left the bridge, and he had spent nearly all this time abaft the mainmast with the scullion.

The commander had become absolutely absorbed in his efforts to fathom the deaf and dumb mystery, and fortunately there was nothing else to occupy his attention, for Flint had drilled the crew, including the men for other vessels, and had billeted and stationed them during the several days he had been on board.

Everything was working as though the Bronx had been at sea a month instead of less than half a day.
Christy was exceedingly anxious to ascertain what, if anything, was passing between Lillyworth and Mulgrum; but he could see no way to obtain any information on the subject.

He had no doubt he was watched as closely as he was watching the second lieutenant.