The unfortunate would-be sailors in the second mate's watch did not fare so well.

He instructed them in the mysteries of navigation through the agency of his fists.

While the watches were being relieved, Paul noticed their blackened eyes and swollen cheek that evidenced all too plainly the effect of the second mate's bad temper.

One night during the second mate's watch, the vessel was struck by a number of baffling squalls that seemed to come from every direction.

This necessitated constant trimming of the sails and the men were kept hard at work.