Then, too, Skipper Jasper Crane, with the Venture, was making a very snug living for her, and her bank account steadily increased, while Mark was winning his way in the world, as she well knew.
So the three stood watching the cruiser, the rising storm, and the coming of night.
“It will be a terrible night, I fear,” Mrs. Merrill said, with increased anxiety for the cruiser.
At length the deep rumbling of thunder was heard, the lightning flashes rent the black clouds, and the roar of the still distant tempest reached their ears.
Then there came a ripple upon the waters, and instantly sail was set upon the cruiser, which, under its influence, began to move ahead.
“She heads down the coast,” said Mrs. Merrill.
But the wind came in gusts, followed by calms, and each squall was more severe.
Sail was shortened upon the cruiser at last, as the storm was coming near, lights were set, and night, black, threatening and dangerous, came upon land and sea. But the three watchers upon the cliff had secured wraps, and kept their places to watch the lights that marked the position of the cruiser.
Louder burst the thunder crashes, more vivid flashed the lightning, and wilder roared the winds as they bore down upon the devoted ship.
“See, see! she heads in toward our harbor!”