"
We had a little more discourse, when we all went below, and I
introduced Marble to my passengers, as one who was to join our
mess. After this, things went on in their usual train. In the course
of the day, however, I overheard the following brief dialogue between
Brigham and Marble, the ladies being much too delicate to question so
rough a mariner.
"You came on board us, somewhat unexpectedly, I rather conclude,
Captain Marble?" commenced the gentleman.
"Not in the least; I have been expecting to meet the Dawn, just about
this spot, more than a month, now."
"Well, that is odd! I do not comprehend how such a thing could well be
foreseen?"
"Do you understand spherical trigonometry, sir?"
"I cannot say I am at all expert--I've looked into mathematics, but
have no great turn for the study."
"It would be hopeless, then, to attempt to explain the matter. If you
had your hand in at the spherical, I could make it all as plain as the
capstan."
"You and Captain Wallingford must be somewhat old acquaintances, I
conclude?"
"Somewhat," answered Marble, very drily.
"Have you ever been at the place that he calls Clawbonny? A queer
name, I rather think, Captain!"
"Not at all, sir. I know a place, down in the Eastern States, that was
called Scratch and Claw, and a very pretty spot it was.
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