“So do I,” answered the young major.
“Even if a ship was near by we’d be unable to see it in this darkness.”
“How do you feel, Fred, worn out?”
“Yes. But that isn’t the worst of it, Jack. I can’t get the others out of my mind.”
“Neither can I. If only—— Oh!”
The talk came to a sudden end as some more wreckage hit them. All were on their guard, not wishing to be flung overboard. But presently the other wreckage slid away in the darkness, much to their relief.
With the coming of daylight the wind seemed to go down a little. But the waves were as high as ever, and every few minutes those on the wreckage found themselves covered with the flying spray.
On the second bit of wreckage the boys had found two blankets, and these they placed under the lanky sailor, so that he might rest more comfortably. Then Jack made an examination of the hurt leg.
“It doesn’t seem to be broken to me,” he said. “But it’s certainly horribly bruised. You’ll have to be very careful of it.”
“Well, I’ll be thankful if it ain’t broke,” was the reply. “But it certainly hurts an awful lot. Wish I had a drink of water.”