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Updated: May 9, 2025
At the table where Ishmael sat there was no one present except the old retired merchantman, Captain Mountz, who sat on the opposite side, directly under the port lights. And with the rolling of the ship these two diners, holding desperately onto the edge of the table, were tossed up and down like boys on a see-saw plank.
There was but one trouble the thick fog; but that might be expected on the Banks of Newfoundland. Old Captain Mountz was pacing up and down the deck with the firm tread of a man who felt himself on solid ground. "Good-morning, captain! A pleasant change this," was Ishmael's greeting. "Oh, aye, yes! for as long as it will last," was the dampening reply.
Captain Mountz, Doctor Kerr, and in fact all Ishmael's late fellow- passengers, now crowded around with earnest and even tearful congratulations. And meanwhile dry clothes and warm food and drink were prepared for the shipwrecked passengers.
The "twister" "twisted" vigorously; twisted the ship nearly in two; twisted the souls, or rather the stomachs, nearly out of the bodies of the seasick victims. Even the well-pickled "old salt," Captain Mountz, felt uncomfortable. And it was just as much as Ishmael could do to keep himself up and avoid succumbing to illness. Those two were the last of the passengers that attempted to keep up.
"Now the old men!" shouted the captain. Ishmael took Judge Merlin by the arm, and with gentle coercion passed them on to the sailors, who lowered him into the boat. Then Captain Mountz and several other old men, and many who were not old, but were willing to appear so "for this occasion only," followed and were passed down into the boat. Then Ishmael looked around in concern.
I will see you all in safety before I attempt to save my own life." So great is the power of heroism over all, that even these brutal men, so selfish, senseless, and impetuous a moment before, were now subdued; nay, some of them were inspired and raised a hurrah. Fear of a possible reaction among the steerage passengers, however, caused old Captain Mountz, Judge Merlin, Mr. Brudenell, Dr.
Brudenell was at the breakfast table. In fact there was no one in the saloon, except Captain Mountz and two or three other seasoned old voyagers. The remainder of the passengers were all dreadfully ill in their berths. The prediction of the old captain was fulfilled in their cases at least; they had eaten the last comfortable meal they could enjoy for many days.
And, besides, while I was doing my best, a stout old gentleman, a sea captain I take him to be, blasted my eyes, and ordered me to go below and not break my blamed neck. And so I did." "That was Captain Mountz. He meant you well, Morris. You did quite right to obey him."
Those who find it dangerous to walk on a motionless pavement in sleety weather may now imagine what is was to climb the ice-sheathed steps of this pitching ship. Ishmael managed to get up on deck somehow; but he found the place deserted of all except the man at the wheel and the officer of the watch. Even the old sea lion, Captain Mountz, was among the missing. There was little to be seen.
Those whom he addressed looked up in surprise and smiled in doubt. The splendid sunny day was followed by a brilliant starlight night, in which all the favorable circumstances of the voyage, so far, continued. After tea the passengers went on deck to enjoy the beauty of the evening. "What do you think, Captain Mountz?" inquired a gentleman, "will this fair wind continue long?"
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