They grasped the grating abaft the binnacle for life or death, and this saved them from being washed overboard.
But they were all more or less badly bruised, although when the danger was once over, and the vessel again on the scud, they all laughed heartily at the mishap.
Davie Drake was bold. All young sailors are, simply because they do not know their danger. Antonio and Pandoo had crossed too many wild seas in the Indian Ocean and around the Capes, and encountered too many hurricanes and tornadoes, to be afraid of the chops of the Channel.
Before sunset they had come across several barques and brigs, that seemed in a worse plight than even they were.
Just at darkling they noticed the coloured lights of a steamer coming hand and hand up astern.
This big vessel was soon close aboard of them to windward, and a lusty voice shouted—
“Whither away?”
“Dieppe.” This was the answer shrieked through Antonio’s speaking trumpet.
“Want any assistance?” cried the voice from the steamer.
“Many thanks, no. We’re all square now.”