attention to the wheel. He found it quite an art, and was
surprised to learn that a big ship requires so much helm. But it
was very pleasant. He took care to steer toward patches of sea
that looked interesting, and to cut into any particular waves
that took his fancy. After an hour or so, he sighted a fishing
schooner, and gave chase. He found it so much fun to run close
beside her (taking care to pass to leeward, so as not to cut off
her wind) that a mile farther on he turned and steered a neat
circle about the bewildered craft. The Pomerania's passengers
were greatly interested, and lined the rails trying to make out
what the fishermen were shouting. The captain of the schooner
seemed particularly agitated, kept waving at the signal flags and
barking through a megaphone. During these manoeuvres Mr. Pointer
gazed so hard at the horizon that Gissing felt a bit embarrassed.

"I thought it wise to find out exactly what our turning-circle
is," he said.

Mr. Pointer saluted. He was a well-trained officer.

Late in the afternoon the Captain reappeared, looking more
cheerful. Gissing was still at the helm, which he found so
fascinating he would not relinquish it. He had ordered his tea
served on a little stand beside the wheel so that he could drink
it while he steered. "Hullo!" said the Captain. "I see you've
changed

I see you've changed the course."

"It seemed best to do so," said Gissing firmly. He felt that to