Smith. We have had
a magnificent quick passage so far. The captain ought to be pleased. And
I suppose you are not sorry either."
This diversion was not successful. Mr. Smith emitted a sort of bitter
chuckle and said: "Jonah! That's the fellow that was thrown overboard by
some sailors. It seems to me it's very easy at sea to get rid of a
person one does not like. The sea does not give up its dead as the earth
does."
"You forget the whale, sir," said young Powell.
Mr. Smith gave a start. "Eh? What whale? Oh! Jonah. I wasn't
thinking of Jonah. I was thinking of this passage which seems so quick
to you. But only think what it is to me? It isn't a life, going about
the sea like this. And, for instance, if one were to fall ill, there
isn't a doctor to find out what's the matter with one. It's worrying. It
makes me anxious at times."
"Is Mrs. Anthony not feeling well?" asked Powell. But Mr. Smith's remark
was not meant for Mrs. Anthony. She was well. He himself was well. It
was the captain's health that did not seem quite satisfactory. Had Mr.
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