“We’ll not sink, unless another storm strikes us,” said the captain. “The worst enemy we have to fear at present is hunger.”
“How much longer will the stores last?” asked Gilbert.
“I shall make them last three days, although we could use everything up to-day.”
“And after that?”
“I’ll try to make land somehow.”
“On the coast of Korea?”
“To be sure—that is the only land that is near.”
Again night came on, and two sailors, who had been permitted to sleep the greater part of the day, were placed on the lookout. Gilbert tried to rest, and almost before he knew it he was in a heavy slumber.
His awakening was a rude one. There came a sudden shock that bowled him over and over and almost sent him into the sea. Then, as he grasped a stanchion for support, the O-Taka struck again and almost went over. Yells of alarm arose on the air, and men, women, and children came pouring from the cabin.
“What have we struck?”