to steer along close to the Equator, and then I know where I am."

So he steered along close to the Line, and by and by he saw something
shining in the distance. When he came nearer, 'twas a great gilt
fowl stuck there with its beak to the Line and its wings sprawled
out. And when he came close, 'twas no other than the cock belonging
to the tower of his own parish church of Wendron!

"Well!" said Joby, "one has to travel to find out how small the world
is. And what might you be doin' here, naybour?"

"Is that you, Joby Teague? Then I'll thank you to do me a good turn.
I came here in a witch-ship last night, and the crew put this spell
upon me because I wouldn't pay my footing to cross the Line.
A nice lot, to try and steal the gilt off a church weather-cock!
'Tis ridiculous," said he, "but I can't get loose for the life o'
me!"

"Why, that's as easy as ABC," said Joby. "You'll find it in any book
of parlour amusements. You take a fowl, put its beak to the floor,
and draw a chalk line away from it, right and left--"

Joby wetted his thumb, smudged out a bit of the Equator on each side
of the cock's nose, and the bird stood up and shook himself.

"And now is there anything I can do for you, Joby Teague?"

"To be sure there is. I'm getting completely tired of this boat: and
if you can give me a lift, I'll take it as a favour."