The raft would sometimes be dashed up on the crest of a great wave with such force that it seemed in imminent danger of being thrown over backward. Then it would be hurled down into the trough of the sea, and be threatened with destruction by the waves that reared on either side.
As the wind increased, too, the clouds became more dense, and began to discharge dashes of biting rain. The rain itself did not make so much difference, however, for the shipwrecked people were already as wet, from the drenching spray, as they could be. But with the rain came bitter cold, and that was heart-breaking.
It had been difficult enough for the castaways to keep hold of the rope with the pitching and rolling of the raft. That difficulty was increased many fold by the cold that numbed their hands and sapped their strength. Even the sailors, with the hardihood acquired during years of hardships, found the situation a difficult one. And the boys, despite their severe schooling in endurance, found it nearly insupportable.
Raymond’s hands became absolutely devoid of feeling, and his whole body was almost without sensation. His grasp on the rope held more because his fingers were stiffening in their clutch than because of any volition on his part. He hung, almost insensible, from the rope.
Finally, Captain Foster noticed the boy’s condition, and cast about for a way to help him. He thought he might hold Raymond, himself, with one arm, but he hardly dared trust the weight of both of them to the insecure support of one hand. If there were only a line to tie him fast!
“Mr. Wright,” he said to the mate, “we must do something for the boy, or he will be washed away. Is there any line left?”
“No, sir,” replied the mate. “Yes, I think there is, too,” he added. “When I lashed the center of the line down to the raft, there was a long end which I left hanging. It’s right by the boys.”
When the members of the party had ranged themselves along the rope anchor, Sidney and Raymond were placed in the center as the most secure position.
“Then I wish you’d work your way in there, Mr. Wright, and tie that boy to the line,” said the captain.
“Aye, that I will, sir,” replied Wright.