The captain returned to his cabin, and resumed his work in the state room.
Though Christy had spent several hours at his desk, he had really produced but a single letter, and had not yet finished it.

When he heard eight bells strike, he left his state room, and seated himself at the table in the middle of his cabin.

The door was open into the companion way.

Mr.Flint presently appeared, and went on deck to relieve the second lieutenant, who came below a few minutes later, though the captain did not allow himself to be seen by him.

Then he closed the cabin door, and turned in, for he began to realize that he needed some rest.