Page:Christopher Morley--Where the blue begins.djvu/195

Rh 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 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