An instant later the blast came. It flattened down the heaving waves for a few seconds, and then blew off their tops in a spray of foam.
The motor boat heeled over, as though it would capsize. Then the small sail filled out. All at once the wind seemed to die away. But, a few seconds later it came with increased fury.
“It’s shifted!” cried Sam. “We’re being blown out to sea!”
The Dartaway spun around like a top, and scudded through the waves.
[CHAPTER XX]
NODDY’S COMPANION
Now the storm had broken in all its power. How the wind whistled over the boat, almost tearing the awning loose! But Sam had seen to the fastenings, and the old sailor well knew the awful force of a gale. The sail, too, held, though it needed all the strength of the ropes Sam had carefully placed here and there to brace it.
“Take the wheel!” roared Sam to Jerry. “I’ll look after things here!”
Making his way as best he could along the rolling and pitching boat, Jerry grasped the steering apparatus. It was all he could do to hold the helm, so violently was the rudder twisted from side to side.