time to put them on again, and scanty raiment, in an open boat, on a
wintry night at sea, wouldn't be pleasant. Now mind what I tell you.
I shall not turn in myself. I am going on deck to watch."

And having succeeded in spreading a panic among the women, the old
man took himself and his black skullcap out of the cabin.
Exclamations of surprise, fear, and horror followed his departure.

There was no more card-playing; they did not even finish their game;
they felt it to be sacrilegious to engage in even a "ladies' game"
of whist, on the eve of possible shipwreck, perhaps on the brink of
eternity.

Ishmael gathered up and put away the cards and set himself earnestly
to calm the fears of his trembling fellow-passengers; but they were
not to be soothed. Then he offered to go up on deck and make
inquiries as to the situation, course, and prospects of the ship;
but they would not consent to his leaving them; they earnestly
besought him to stay; and declared that they found assurance and
comfort in his presence.

At length he took the Bible and seated himself at the table, and
read to them such portions as were suited to their condition. He
read for more than an hour, and then, hoping that this had composed
their spirits, he closed the book and counseled them to retire and
take some rest; and promised to station himself outside the cabin
door and be their vigilant sentinel, to warn them of danger the
instant it should become necessary.

But no! they each and all declared sleep to be impossible under the