Page:The Dark Frigate (Hawes).djvu/93

rolled, and remained intent on his thoughts, which so absorbed him that he had quite forgotten sending the boy for Philip Marsham.

So Phil waited; and the broad hat that hung on the bulkhead scraped backward and forward as the ship plunged into the trough and rose on the swell; and Captain Candle remained intent on his thoughts; and a sea bird circled over the wake of the ship.

After a long time the master turned about and walked into the cabin and, there espying Philip Marsham, he smiled and said, ‘‘I was remiss. I had forgotten you.” He threw aside the cloak that lay on the chair and sat down.

“Sit you down,” he said with a nod. ‘You are a practised seaman, no lame, decrepit fellow who serves for underwages. Have you mastered the theory?”

“Why, sir, I am not unacquainted with astrolabe and quadrant, and on scales and tables I have spent much labour.”

“So!” And his manner showed surprise. Then, “Inkpot and quill are before you. Choose a fair sheet and put down thereon the problem I shall set you.”

The captain leaned back and half closed his eyes while Phil spread the paper and dipped the quill.

“Let us say,” he finally continued, “that two ships sail from one port. The first sails south-south-west a certain distance; then altering her course, she sails due west ninety-two leagues. The second ship, having sailed six-score leagues, meets with the first ship. I demand the second ship’s course and rhomb, and how many leagues the first ship sailed south-south-west. Now, my man, how go you to work?”

Phil studied the problem as he had set it down, and