As Jack attempted to recover his property, the bully, evidently bent on injuring the book, dashed toward it, and at the same time dealt his opponent a sharp blow.
To his astonishment, however, he received another of such weight as knocked him into a lower bunk. Then, seizing his treasure, Jack rapidly locked it within his clothes chest, and stood on the defensive. But although eyeing him threateningly, Sorter did not resume the contest, and presently he sneaked away.
'God gave me the strength to do that,' Jack mused; 'and while I live I'll fight His enemies.'
At eight bells, eight o'clock, he and Wilton went aft to 'keep the bells going,' since time at sea is reckoned in that manner. A brisk breeze off the starboard beam sent the clipper along in good style, while for several miles on every hand a vast expanse of night-darkened sea stretched to the horizon where sky and water seemed to meet.
The silence was intense, and to the boy it seemed as though God was indeed very close to him, and that He was listening to the prayers of those who had intrusted their lives to His fatherly care.
Beside the wheel the helmsman stood erect, the lookout forward paced to and fro, most of the emigrants seemed to be abed, and Mr. Statten, the second mate, peered through his glasses at some imaginary object far aweather.
CHAPTER II
DRAWING SOUTHWARD
At four bells, ten o'clock, the wheel and the lookout were relieved, the red and green sidelights were trimmed, and Jack took over the remaining half of time-keeping.
The heaving of the log showed a speed of eight knots an hour, and as the wind was only moderate such progress proved highly satisfactory.