Chapter 14—The Ghost Fails to Appear
The next day, the ist of April, the aspect of the sea was truly spring-like; it was as green as the meadows beneath the sun’s rays. The April sunrise on the Atlantic was superb; the waves spread themselves out voluptuously, while porpoises gamboled in the ship’s milky track.
When I met Captain Corsican, he informed me that the ghost announced by the Doctor had not thought proper to make its appearance. Undoubtedly, the night was not dark enough for it. Then the idea crossed my mind that it was a joke of Dean Pitferge’s, sanctioned by the 1st of April; for in America, England, and France this custom is very popular. Mystifiers and mystified were not wanting; some laughed, others were angry; I even believe that blows were exchanged among some of the Sax
