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Captain taking very poor view of A. Am afraid things might get a
bit awkward, as rather feel if they get their backs up at each other,
it may be a battle of "wits" against "power". Captain feels, I think,
he consented to let A. come against his better judgement, and is now
regretting it.

Wednesday 29th. Wind freshening all day, we are making good speed,
but both Captain and Chief say "ship will not sail". 220 miles in
last 24 hrs., have passed Canary Is. but too far West to see any land.
Are now heading for Cape Verde Is. A steamer came very close to us
tonight, very brilliantly lit up, looked like a "passenger job". She
didn't appear to see us, went right across our bows. Captain recovered
from his "attack of displeasure" with A. Have had a tummy upset all
day, possibly some of the mixes we eat not being appreciated by my
"innards". Weather still very cool, tho' in Lat. 28 [degrees] 40 s.

Thursday 30th. Going like smoke, 270 miles in 24 hours. 49 miles in one
watch, and yet Captain and Chief say she is not sailing well! Heeling
over very much, it makes everything a bit difficult. Wind
freshing all the time. N.E. Trades, but extra "fresh" and quite cool;
have been doing up to 13 1/2 knots! "Passat" is certainly trying to
make up for her slow passage to Europe. The 3 geese were killed
to-day, poor old Steward having to most of the work as usual. He
didn't enjoy cleaning them, judging by his expression. We eat them
tomorrow night, to celebrate New Year's Eve. Have just taken in
the royals, we certainly carry more sail, and leave it up, with this
Chief mate. Captain patching and darning a very ancient pair of grey
knitted underpants. Very difficult when the ship lists so much, he
suddenly remarks - "I tink I have do Royals taken in, so I can see (sew)
my pants!!!"

New Year's Eve, Dec. 31st. Wind blowing strongly all thro' the night.
Royals re-set about 3 a.m. on main and fore masts. When mizzen royal
was taken in about 10 p.m. Don and Newton (2 new chums) were sent up
to do the job. Three times they came down and said they couldn't do
it, and the Mate sent them up again. They spent their free watch
up there, poor boys. Toni, the Spaniard, burst into tears half way
up the rigging and wouldn't go any further. The Second's watch always
sounds in a fearful muddle, he, poor young man, looks all at sea too,
sometimes, but maybe it is good for a German not to be too efficient.
Good wind all day. 290 miles for 24 hrs., and still going strong, but
had to change course and bear more to the Westward, otherwise we would
"run down" the Cape Verde Is! We are rolling a little but are not
listing so much, which is more pleasant. 3rd Mate said he'd never
heard of the Royals being taken in, in the Trade Winds, but apparently
the ship wouldn't steer, so the Spanker and Royals were taken in,
which had the desired effect. Very good New Year's Eve dinner, just
Captain, A. and self in saloon. Smörgasbord, roast goose and
vegetables, rice porridge, Xmas pudding, coffee, nuts, fruit and dates.
Spent the evening drawing "Crossing the Line" Certificates for the new
chums, and playing cards with the Captain. When midnight (eight bells)
was rung at the wheel, "look out" answered by ringing the fo'castle
head bell wildly for about 5 minutes, and we could hear the boys
cheering. Captain cut out all drinks, did not even have one himself.