"Very well," answered Captain Horton, turning in his cot; "you may call me again when it blows harder."
At about six bells the gale was at its height, and the wind roared in its fury. Down went O'Brien again. "It blows tremendous hard now, Captain Horton."
"Well, well, if the weather becomes worse—"
"It can't be worse," interrupted O'Brien; "it's impossible to blow harder."
"Indeed! Well, then," replied the captain, "let me know when it lulls."
In the morning watch a similar circumstance took place. Mr Phillott went down, and said that several of the convoy were out of sight astern. "Shall we heave-to, Captain Horton?"
"Oh, no," replied he, "she will be so uneasy. Let me know if you lose sight of any more."
In another hour the first lieutenant reported that "there were very few to be seen."
"Very well, Mr Phillott," replied the captain, turning round to sleep; "let me know if you lose any more."
Some time elapsed, and the first lieutenant reported "that they were all out of sight."