“She’s no wind-jammer,” he said. “Can’t hold her close, and she will fall off, best I can do.”
“If we’d paid some attention to the old fellow who warned us there would be a blow,” regretted Harry.
“No use to cry over that,” came sharply from Diamond. “We’ve got to make New Haven harbor.”
Browning shivered.
“Don’t know why I was fool enough to come,” he grumbled. “Might be safe and warm in my room now.”
It was five o’clock, but was so dark that it seemed much later. Rattleton, for all of his nervousness, cracked several jokes. Diamond made an effort to look unconcerned, and succeeded very well. Hodge was grim and silent.
The wind was fitful. Now and then Frank would cry:
“Ease her off.”
Then they would let out the sail quickly, and the cat’s-paw would sweep over them.
“How is your old sheet, Rattles?” asked Diamond. “Will she hold?”