The flying fish were pursued by a shoal of dolphins, which
continued to play round our ship for several days, and some of these we
captured with the line and converted into food.
In the excitement of the sport the sailors soon forgot their mutinous
conduct, and resumed something of their former cheerfulness. Like
children, seamen are easily led and readily influenced.
"I thank Providence," declared Hartog, "for the draught of fishes sent
to us at so opportune a time; but for their coming I doubt we would
have been at each other's throats ere this."
And indeed there is more in chance and circumstance than most believe.
I observed that Van Luck took no part in the fishing. The sport in
which the seamen were engaged appeared to afford him more irritation
than amusement.
I often wondered that Hartog did not note the surly demeanour of his
chief officer. But he did not appear to do so, and it was no part of my
duty to make mischief between the captain and his first mate.
When the fishing and salting were over, a breeze sprang up which
freshened to half a gale--before which we scudded under furled mizzen
and foresails. The men had now plenty to do, and there was no time for
brooding or lamenting over lost hopes.
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