“We are in for one of those hurricanes that come on so suddenly here,” said the lad, “and we are going right out to sea, to try and get under shelter of one of the isles before it breaks.”
“But why not stop here in harbour?” said Fitz sharply.
“Because there is none. When the wind’s easterly you can only expect one thing, and that is to be blown ashore.”
“But is there time to get under the lee of some island?”
“I don’t know. We are going straight into danger now, for as likely as not we shall meet the gunboat coming right across our bows to cut us off.”
Chapter Twenty.
On two sides.
The speed they were able to get out of the schooner, and the admirable seamanship of her commander enabled them to reach the sought-for shelter before the fury of the West Indian hurricane came on. It was rough work, but with two anchors down, the Teal managed to ride out the blast, and fortunately for her crew the storm subsided as quickly as it had risen, leaving them free to run in for Velova with a gentle breeze over a heavy swell, which as evening approached began to subside fast.