The Silvery Jet

Every reclining mariner started to his feet, as if some winged spirit had lighted in the rigging and hailed the mortal crew. Yet still they felt no terror, rather pleasure. Ahab commanded the gallant sails and royals to be set and every stunsail spread. But though the ship so swiftly sped, and though from every eye like arrows, the eager glances shot, yet the silvery jet was no more seen that night. Every sailor swore he saw it once, but not a second time.