In Search of an Unknown Race — page 247: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

VAN. 233 Van’s movements were watched with almost super- stitious awe by the ignorant natives, especially when at high noon he took an altitude and figured up his reckon- ing, finding the schooner had run and drifted about seventy miles south of her supposed position. Van's principal misgiving had been lest the Kroo, having learned something of practical seamanship on board the American whaler, might possibly question the easterly course which he was directed to steer, when, with considerable awkwardness on the part of his new crew, the schooner’s sails had been hoisted and the wheel spoke unbecketed. But he quickly saw there was no cause for fear on this score. Though the Kroo knew the points of com- pass to steer by, he knew nothing further. The chart was as much a sealed book to him as to the others, It need hardly be said that the awkwardness of try- ing to make this undisciplined crew understand by signs which ropes to pull or what sails to trim was at first terribly trying. But they were quick to comprehend, and, with the Kroo’s assistance, the principal ropes were pointed out and their names and uses learned before the sun had sunk below the ocean’s rim. Luckily for all concerned, the indications of sea, sky and barometer pointed to a season of fairly good weather. Van installed the Kroo as his chief officer, and divided the natives into watches. Most of them were still wearing the single garment of appa cloth in which they were kidnapped, but this was soon remedied. In the little forecastle under deck was all the clothing belonging to the Rattler’s crew. EOmMmiGdoo ‘“S (G(0) im