happen. To his delight he saw the bow swing slowly round, and the
Pomerania's gleaming wake spread behind her in a whitened curve.
He descended to the bridge, a little nervous as to what Mr.
Pointer might say, but he found the Mate gazing across the water
with the same fierce and unwearying attention.

"I have changed the course," he said.

Mr. Pointer saluted, but said nothing.

Having succeeded so far, Gissing ventured upon another
innovation. He had been greatly tempted by the wheel, and envied
the stolid quartermaster who was steering. So, assuming an air of
calm certainty, he entered the wheelhouse.

"I'll take her for a while," he said.

"Aye, aye, sir," said the quartermaster, and surrendered the
wheel to him.

"You might string out a few flags," Gissing said. He had been
noticing the bright signal buntings in the rack, and thought it a
pity not to use them.

"I like to see a ship well dressed," he added.

"Aye, aye, sir," said Dane. "Any choice, sir?"

Gissing picked out a string of flags which were particularly
lively in colour-scheme, and had them hoisted. Then he gave his