The weather certainly looked bad, and it turned out worse than it looked.
Instead of wind, rain came on, and soon all on board the yachts were soaked.
“What do you think of that, Jerry?” asked Harry.
“We’re going to catch it and no mistake,” replied the young oarsman.
All hands on board saw the coming squall and looked at the captain for orders, but none came.
The yachts, favored by a strengthening breeze, were pushed on to meet that which was sure to come, and half-way over on the third stretch it came on hard and struck the Defender.
Bang! slash! went the sails and the gallant yacht swept well over on her side.
Again all looked to the captain, but he shook his head.
“Reckon he wants to see what she can stand,” whispered Jerry.
He was right. The captain, at the wheel, held the yacht up to it, and held her true.