But by this time Ishmael had grown to understand the old sailor, and
to know that he generally talked by the "rules of contrary"; for
whereas he would not permit the late gale to be anything more than a
"capful of wind," he now declared the fine weather to be nothing
less than the forerunner of a hurricane.

So Ishmael did not feel any very serious misgivings, but went
downstairs to breakfast with a good appetite.

Here another pleasant surprise greeted him: Judge Merlin and Mr.
Brudenell, recovered from their seasickness, were both at breakfast;
and notwithstanding the weight of care that oppressed their hearts
they were both, from the mere physical reaction from depressing
illness, in excellent spirits.

They arose to greet their young friend.

"How do you do, how do you do, Ishmael?" began Judge Merlin,
heartily shaking his hand. "I really suppose now that you think I
owe you an apology? But the fact is you owe me one. Didn't you know
better than to intrude on the privacy of a seasick man? Didn't you
know that a victim hates the sight of one who is not a victim? And
that a seasick man or a rabid dog is better let alone, eh?"

"I beg your pardon, sir; I did not know it; but now that you
enlighten me, I will not offend again," laughed Ishmael.

Mr. Brudenell's greeting was quieter, but even more cordial than
that of the judge.