So he makes the best of it; and when the sailors find him not to be the man that is advertised, they let him pass, and he descends into the cabin.
"'Who's there ?' cries the Captain at his busy desk, hurriedly making out his papers for the Customs--'Who's there ?' Oh! how that harmless question mangles Jonah! For the instant he almost turns to flee again.
But he rallies.

'I seek a passage in this ship to Tarshish; how soon sail ye, sir ?' Thus far the busy Captain had not looked up to Jonah, though the man now stands before him; but no sooner does he hear that hollow voice, than he darts a scrutinizing glance.

'We sail with the next coming tide,' at last he slowly answered, still intently eyeing him.

'No sooner, sir ?'--'Soon enough for any honest man that goes a passenger.' Ha! Jonah, that's another stab.

But he swiftly calls away the Captain from that scent.