and manner," said Ishmael cheerfully, to reassure the frightened
women, who seemed upon the very verge of hysterics.

"No, no, no, certainly no cause for agitation, ladies--certainly
not. Therefore don't be agitated, I beg of you. But--but--don't
undress and go to bed to-night. Lie down on the outside of your
berths just as you are; for, look you--we may all have to take to
the lifeboats at a minute's warning," said the doctor, his long,
pale face looking longer and paler than ever under his round, black
skullcap.

A half-smothered shriek burst simultaneously from all the women
present.

"I trust, sir, that your fears are entirely groundless. I have heard
no apprehensions expressed in any other quarter," said Ishmael. And
although he never begged the ladies not to be "frightened," yet
every cheerful word he spoke tended to calm their fears.

"What cause have you for such forebodings, doctor?" inquired Mr.
Brudenell.

"Oh, none at all, sir. There is no reason to be alarmed. I hope
nobody will be alarmed, especially the ladies. But you see the
captain has not been able to make an observation for the last three
days on account of the fog; and it is said that no one accurately
knows just where we are; except that we are on the Banks, somewhere,
and may strike before we know it. That is all. Now don't be
terrified. And don't lose your presence of mind. And whatever you
do, don't take off your clothes; for if we strike you mayn't have