Hodges and the Major went into the galley. The Chaplain did not care to go. In the galley they found Smitty groaning in a corner. He was very sick.
They went up the companionway to the wheelhouse. Evans, Martin and Bervick were standing together around the chart table. Only Evans noticed them as they entered.
“Bad weather,” Evans announced abruptly. “The wind’s going to blow big soon.”
“What’s going to be done?” asked the Major.
“Wait till we’ve figured this out.” Evans lowered his head over the chart. Together with his mates he talked in a low voice and measured distances.
Major Barkison looked out the windows and found the lurid view of sky and water terrifying. He wished that he had flown. He would have been in Arunga by now.
The Chief came into the wheelhouse. He spoke a moment with Evans who waved him away. Duval came over to the Major. “Bit of a storm,” said Duval.
“Doesn’t look good. You know about these things, does this look particularly bad to you?”
“I don’t know. All storms are different. You don’t know until it’s over just how bad it was. That sky looks awful.”
“Quite dark. This greenish light is new to me.”