She pitched and rolled to a tremendous extent—she took in water over the bows, she shivered and shook like an old clothes basket when on the top of a wave, and wallowed when in the trough of the seas. In fact she did not behave at all prettily now she was put fairly on her mettle.
By-and-by Fred found it necessary to batten down, although he had to leave a portion of one hatchway open, in order to let those below have a sufficiency of fresh air.
Frank relieved Fred about four o'clock, or eight bells in the middle watch, and feeling completely exhausted, Fred lashed himself to the mast, covered himself up as well he could with a piece of canvas, and was soon fast asleep.
He never stirred, nor, knowing his condition, did Fred permit him to be disturbed until two bells in the forenoon watch.
Though he pretended to be cross with Frank for having allowed him to oversleep himself, he knew that his friend Had done all for the best.
The wind was still roaring through the rigging; but had veered round several points, and the yacht was now close hauled. Far away astern were the green islands they had left on the previous night.
"Whither away, mate?" said Fred.
"'Pon my honour, captain, I haven't the ghost of a notion."
"But you've been steering for the east?"
"Yes, all the watch."