Van Berkum smiled weakly, drained his mug, and set itaside, hands still shaking.
The seaman clapped him on the shoulder.
"Rest easy now, my friend. You are safe at last," he said,"free of the demon ship. You are aboard a vessel with a finesafety record and excellent officers and crew--and just a fewdays away from her port. Recover your strength and rid yourmind of past afflictions. We welcome you aboard the MarieCeleste."