“Avast, belay, when I appear,

By fear they’re overtook;

Nought’s left upon your bones when you

Have shaken claws with Cook.”

“Avast, belay, when I appear, By fear they’re overtook; Nought’s left upon your bones when you Have shaken claws with Cook.”

They began the verse, but they never finished it, for another sound broke in and stilled them. It was at first such a tiny sound that a leaf might have fallen on it and smothered it, but as it came nearer it was more distinct.