But even as the words left his lips there came a distant bellowing sound, a rumble like thunder, and then the storm burst.
It was a terribly grand moment.
It seemed literally as if all the elements had combined in one fearful effort to outdo pandemonium.
Rain fell in sheets; the sea ran mountains high and tossed the frail Dolphin about like an eggshell.
Frank saw that it was utterly impossible to reach the Belden.
He knew that the safety of his own boat depended upon prompt action.
So he opened the reservoir lever and let the boat go down.
One hundred fathoms beneath the surface the storm was not felt.
The Dolphin glided along slowly.
Captain Uriah was not a little worried about his ship.