CHAPTER VII
A WARNING FROM THE SEA
Springing from their resting places the four boys staggered up the unsteady companionway. As they gained the deck they were assailed by terrific gusts of wind carrying sleet and snow. During their stay below the weather had turned colder, bringing fitful dashes of sleet out of the north. The schooner presently rode easier.
A hoarse order from forward was followed by a clanking of the cable through the hawse pipes. The sails rattled with great slapping noises as the Lena Knobloch rode to her anchor.
Men were instantly aloft securing the lighter topsails. With a run the foresail and mainsail were lowered and furled. The staysail and jib had but a moment before been lowered as the schooner was headed into the wind. Under bare poles they rode on gentler swells.
“Where are we?” asked Harry, throwing up an arm to protect his face. “Have we reached England yet? Where is the captain?”
“Vhell, how do you like id now?” roared the voice of von Kluck almost at Harry’s elbow. “Vhat you tink of dis for some shtorm?”
“This is fierce!” replied the lad, bracing himself against the wind. “Where are we now, Captain von Kluck?”
“Under der lee of one of der Friesian Islands,” replied the captain. “I see some rocks aheadt und dere is a big shteamer in drouble oop to vindvard. I hope she makes id into safety, bud I don’d know!”
Shaking his head doubtfully the captain went away forward. Presently he returned, still shaking his head. The crew except the captain and the mate were gathered forward round the capstan.