Log of the Demeter. Barneter Whitby. Written 18th July. Things so strange happening that I shall keep accurate note henceforth till we learn. On 6th July, we finished taking in cargo, silver sand and boxes of earth. At noon, set sail. East wind, fresh. Crew, five hands, two mates, cook and myself, captain. On 11th July, at dawn, entered Bosphorus. Boarded by Turkish customs officers, Bakşiş, all correct, underway at 4pm. On 12th July, through Dardanelles,
more customs officers, and flag boat of guarding squadron. Bakshish again, work of officers thorough, but quick. Want us off soon. At dark, passed into archipelago. On 13th July, past Cape Matapan, crew, dissatisfied about something, seemed scared, would not speak out. On 14th July, he was somewhat anxious about crew. Men all steady fellows who sailed with me before. Mate could not make out what was wrong. They only told him there was something.
and crossed themselves. Mate lost temper with one of them that day and struck him. He expected fierce quarrel but all was quiet. On 16th July, mate reported in the morning that one of crew, Petrovsky, was missing. Could not account for it. Took Labord Watch, eight bells last night, was relieved by Abramov, but did not go to Punk. Men more downcast than ever.
All said they expected something of the kind, but would not say more than there was... something... aboard. Mate getting very impatient with them. feared trouble ahead. On 17th July, yesterday, one of the men, Olgarin, came to my cabin and, in an awestruck way, confided to me that he thought There was a strange man aboard the ship. He said that in his watch he had been sheltering behind the deckhouse as there was a rainstorm when he saw a tall, thin man.
who was not like any of the crew, come up the companionway, go along the deck forward and disappear. He followed cautiously. But when he got to bows, found no one, and the hatchways were all closed. He was in a panic of superstitious fear. I am afraid that panic may spread. To allay it, I shall today search entire ship carefully.
Stem to stern. Later in the day, I got together the whole crew and told them, as they evidently thought there was someone in the ship, we would search from stem to stern. First mate angry. said it was folly and to yield to such foolish ideas would demoralize the men said he would engage to keep them out of trouble with a hand spike I let him take the helm while the rest began thorough search, all keeping abreast with lanterns. We left, no corner, unsearched.
As there were only the big wooden boxes, there were no odd corners where a man could hide. Men much relieved when searched over, and went back to work cheerfully. First mate scowled. but said nothing.