Hair Cut Off for Infestation
Following the advice of his friend Thompson, who goes always close shaved to prevent such misfortunes, the narrator has the boy of their mess cut off his hair, which had been growing since he left the service of Lavement. The second mate lends him an old bob-wig to supply the loss of that covering. This measure is taken to address the infestation that has colonized his person.
Morgan’s Salmagundy Cookery
After the hair-cutting affair concludes, Mr. Morgan returns and prepares a dish of salmagundy. He cuts a piece of salt beef from the brine, slices it, and mixes it with an equal quantity of onions. Seasoning with a moderate proportion of pepper and salt, he brings the dish to a consistence with oil and vinegar. Tasting the preparation, Morgan assures his companions it is the best salmagundy he has ever made and recommends it to their palates with such heartiness that the narrator cannot help but do honor to his preparation.
Onboard Sleeping Experience
The narrator’s hammock hangs parallel to his messmates on the outside of the berth. He watches his companions spring with great agility into their respective nests, where they seem to lie concealed and very much at their ease. However, the narrator can scarcely prevail upon himself to trust his carcase at such a distance from the ground in a narrow bag, imagining he would be apt on the least motion during sleep to tumble down at the hazard of breaking his bones. Despite his apprehensions, he eventually allows himself to be persuaded to attempt entry.
Woken by Dreadful Night Noise
After some fruitless efforts, the narrator finally succeeds in entering his hammock. However, the apprehension of the jeopardy in which he believes himself keeps sleep at bay until toward the morning watch. Eventually, despite his fears, slumber overpowers him—though he does not long enjoy this comfortable situation. He is aroused by a noise so loud and shrill that he believes the drums of his ears have burst, followed by a dreadful summons pronounced by a hoarse voice that he cannot understand.
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