"stoker-dracula-168" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stoker Bram)

sheltering behind the deck-house, as there was a rain-storm, when he
saw a tall, thin man, who was not like any of the crew, come up the
companion-way, and go along the deck forward, and disappear. He
followed cautiously, but when he got to bows found no one, and the
hatchways were all closed. He was in a panic of superstitious fear,
and I am afraid the panic may spread. To allay it, I shall to-day
search entire ship carefully from stem to stern.

Later in the day I got together the whole crew, and told them, as
they evidently thought there was some one in the ship, we would search
from stem to stern. First mate angry; said it was folly, and to
yield to such foolish ideas would demoralise the men; said he would
engage to keep them out of trouble with a handspike. I let him take
the helm, while the rest began thorough search, all keeping abreast,
with lanterns; we left no corner unsearched. As there were only the
big wooden boxes, there were no odd corners where a man could hide.
Men much relieved when search over, and went back to work
cheerfully. First mate scowled, but said nothing.

22 July.- Rough weather last three days, and all hands busy with
sails- no time to be frightened. Men seem to have forgotten their
dread. Mate cheerful again, and all on good terms. Praised men for
work in bad weather. Passed Gibraltar and out through Straits. All
well.

24 July.- There seems some doom over this ship. Already a hand
short, and entering on the Bay of Biscay with wild weather ahead,
and yet last night another man lost- disappeared. Like the first, he
came off his watch and was not seen again. Men all in a panic of fear;
sent a round robin, asking to have double watch, as they fear to be
alone. Mate angry. Fear there will be some trouble, as either he or
the men will do some violence.

28 July.- Four days in hell, knocking about in a sort of
maelstrom, and the wind a tempest. No sleep for any one. Men all
worn out. Hardly know how to set a watch, since no one fit to go on.
Second mate volunteered to steer and watch, and let men snatch a few
hours' sleep. Wind abating; seas still terrific, but feel them less,
as ship is steadier.

29 July.- Another tragedy. Had single watch to-night, as crew too
tired to double. When morning watch came on deck could find no one
except steersman. Raised outcry, and all came on deck. Thorough
search, but no one found. Are now without second mate, and crew in a
panic. Mate and I agreed to go armed henceforth and wait for any
sign of cause.

30 July.- Last night. Rejoiced we are nearing England. Weather fine,
all sails set. Retired worn out; slept soundly; awaked by mate telling
me that both man of watch and steersman missing. Only self and mate