Captain Salt, indeed, was gradually working himself into a state of restless irritation.

The man in the stable-yard groomed away at the four horses, one after another, saddled them, led them back to the stable again, then composed himself to sleep on the stool outside the stable door, with a straw in his mouth and his hat-brim well over his eyes.

The others still lounged in the sunshine before the inn door.

He could hear the sound of their voices and occasional laughter, but not the words of their conversation.
It was about six in the evening when the Captain was struck with an idea.

At first it staggered him a little: then he thought it over and looked at it from several sides.