noon
Then the captain rushed below , emerging after an instant with a chest which he flung after his subordinate . It was followed a moment later by a stream of small stuff , -- mingled with language -- projected through an open port-hole . This in turn ceased . The captain reappeared with a pail and brush , scrubbed feverishly at the offending spot , mopped it dry with that same old red bandana handkerchief , glared about him , -- and abruptly became as serene and placid as a noon calm . He took up the direction of the stevedores . It was all most astounding . Nobody paid any attention to the mate .