At length, toward evening, as though in a dream, Dan's voice bore upon her ears. For a moment she gazed at him dully, and then she comprehended his words.
"It is beginning to rain, Virginia. The fog will go away now."
"Oh, good!" she exclaimed.
"The wind is freshening, too," he added, "and it doesn't feel very good. I think we're going to have a blow for a change."
It seemed so. Already the mists were beginning to scuttle away before the increasing wind-rush which moaned with evil breath.
"Will you hold the wheel for a moment, please," said Dan.
As she placed her hands on the spokes he went forward and lowered the sail. There were two lines of reef points in the section of canvas and Dan took in both. When he hoisted it again there was just a patch of three-cornered sail.
Within half an hour it was raining hard. The wind was increasing slowly but surely, and the sea was rising. Dan asked the girl to go into the cabin and to remain there either until the storm was over, or he summoned her. She obeyed him partially. She went into the cabin, but returned quickly with two slickers.
"Do you suppose," she cried, "I am going to let you be alone now? I am going to help you, and, if it must be, to die with you. I am not a bit afraid any more."
Dan placed his hand on her arm.