"Then let's go on deck," said the men of science. "What's the use of talking to him." "Oh, please," said the subdued skipper; but they paid no attention, and returned to Simpkins. At various intervals during the day Prowse made more and more pitiful appeals to be let out. But as the weather was clear and bright, Simpkins and his "overwhelming odds" were at work on deck, and paid little or no attention. Simpkins now did not take his line from the skipper, but, feeling that the command was in commission, adopted the manner of the sergeant-instructor at a gymnasium. "Now, if a couple or four of you gentlemen would keep the pumps going," he urged from his station at the wheel, "we should get along a deal better. And if you, sir, would come and take the wheel agin for two shakes of a lamb's tail, I don't see no reason I shouldn't loose the upper main-topsail." So the geologist took the wheel while Simpkins went aloft and loosed the upper main-topsail. "Supposing you wanted to have less sail presently," said the astronomer to Simpkins, when the topsail was set, "what would you do?" "You gents would 'ave to 'elp stow it," said Simpkins. "What, go aloft?" asked the astronomer. "And why not?" demanded Simpkins. "It's easy, going aloft--as easy as fallin' from the side of an 'ouse." "So I should think," cried the astronomer, shivering. "I hope the weather will remain fine." "You know it's really remarkable how useful such an uneducated man can be," he said presently to some of the others. "Now, what use am I?" Simpkins was passing and heard this. He paused and eyed the astronomer. "Well, to speak the truth, sir," he said sympathetically, "you ain't much; but you do what you can at the end of a rope. And I shouldn't be surprised if you're all right at 'ome." "All of which is good against vanity," said the astronomer, as the barque under most of her plain sail steered east-south-east into the track of the Atlantic liners. "And do you know, absurd as it may seem, I am beginning to feel very well indeed--better than I have done for years." As the night fell, the captain, who had by that time lost all his alcoholic courage, appealed for mercy. He shouted his petition to those on deck through the cabin port-hole. But he tried Simpkins first. "Simpkins," he yelled. "Yes, sir," said Simpkins, with his head over the rail. "Come and let me out." "I darn't, sir," said Simpkins; "they're all very fierce and savage agin you, especial about your using bad language, and each of 'em 'as a belayin'-pin and is a-watchin' of me. It's more than my life's worth to let you out. And----" "Yes," said the skipper. "It's more'n yours is worth too. You must ask 'em civil." "_And give your word of honour,_" suggested the ferocious geologist in a whisper. "And give your word of honour----" "_To act civilly and quietly to every one._" "To act civil and quiet, sir," said Simpkins.