But I build no theories.  And by way of obstructing the one, which might possibly be evolved from the statement above, let me add, that the offensiveness of sea-water left standing, may arise in no small degree from the presence of decomposed animal matter.

CHAPTER XXXV Ah, Annatoo!

In order to a complete revelation, I must needs once again discourse of Annatoo and her pilferings; and to what those pilferings led.  In the simplicity of my soul, I fancied that the dame, so much flattered as she needs must have been, by the confidence I began to repose in her, would now mend her ways, and abstain from her larcenies.  But not so.  She was possessed by some scores of devils, perpetually her to mischief on their own separate behoof, and not less for many of her pranks were of no earthly advantage to, her, present or prospective.

One day the log-reel was missing.  Summon Annatoo.  She came; but knew nothing about it.  Jarl spent a whole morning in contriving a substitute; and a few days after, pop, we came upon the lost:  article hidden away in the main-top.

Another time, discovering the little vessel to “gripe” hard in steering, as if some one under water were jerking her backward, we instituted a diligent examination, to see what was the matter.  When lo; what should we find but a rope, cunningly attached to one of the chain-plates under the starboard main-channel.  It towed heavily in the water.  Upon dragging it up—­much as you would the cord of a ponderous bucket far down in a well—­a stout wooden box was discovered at the end; which opened, disclosed sundry knives, hatchets, and ax-heads.

Called to the stand, the Upoluan deposed, that thrice he had rescued that identical box from Annatoo’s all-appropriating clutches.

Now, here were four human beings shut up in this little oaken craft, and, for the time being, their interests the same.  What sane mortal, then, would forever be committing thefts, without rhyme or reason.  It was like stealing silver from one pocket and decanting it into the other.  And what might it not lead to in the end?

Why, ere long, in good sooth, it led to the abstraction of the compass from the binnacle; so that we were fain to substitute for it, the one brought along in the Chamois.

It was Jarl that first published this last and alarming theft.  Annatoo being at the helm at dawn, he had gone to relieve her; and looking to see how we headed, was horror-struck at the emptiness of the binnacle.

I started to my feet; sought out the woman, and ferociously demanded the compass.  But her face was a blank; every word a denial.

Further lenity was madness.  I summoned Samoa, told him what had happened, and affirmed that there was no safety for us except in the nightly incarceration of his spouse.  To this he privily assented; and that very evening, when Annatoo descended into the forecastle, we barred over her the scuttle-slide.  Long she clamored, but unavailingly.  And every night this was repeated; the dame saying her vespers most energetically.