46 THE WHALE HUNTERS 



and it was probable that the other two Indians in the crew 

 came from there too. He would try to discover by 

 watching the behaviour of the three Indians whether 

 they knew or suspected the identity of the murderer of 

 their fellow tribesman. 



The news of Sykes's presence spread quickly through the 

 ship for he was an infamous character, but it was too early 

 yet for Jonathan to detect any signs of enmity between 

 Sykes and the Indians, although he was able to learn from 

 Joseph that the man had signed in the Pilgrim in order to 

 escape from the wrath of the tribe whom he had cheated 

 in a trading deal. 



As the two lads sat discussing the matter in the fore- 

 castle something of Jonathan's uneasiness must have been 

 evident in his manner for Joseph said, 'Why do you look 

 so troubled, Jonathan ? Surely you have nothing to fear 

 from the rascal?' 



Jonathan forced a smile and replied, 'No, of course not,' 

 but he wished in his heart that he could share his secret 

 with his friend. 



'Captain Slocum and the mates will see that he is kept in 

 his place,' said Joseph. 



Indeed, as the wind became favourable and the ship 

 headed north, Sykes settled into the routine of the 

 voyage as well as the rest for he was an experienced 

 whaleman and a good seaman. 



The ship's company was assembled on deck and divided 

 into watches and the captain, as was the custom at the 

 commencement of a whaling voyage, expounded a few 

 of his views on such subjects as discipline, hard work, 

 courage, cheerfulness and faith in the Almighty. He used 

 the Quaker 'thee' and 'thou' and this, combined with his 

 Biblical style of speech, made it seem that the Ten Com- 

 mandments with which he rounded off his address were 

 not quoted from the Book but inventions of his own mind 

 like the rest of his harangue. 



