Dunton shouted through the storm:
“It will be high water at two o’clock, Mayo; there may be a change of weather on the ebb?”
“I hope so, Mr. Dunton, and I believe there will be some abatement of the wind at half tide. This storm seems to be a double-decker; that last crash of thunder shows there’s more behind it.”
Then a big wave struck the vessel and she shivered at the blow. Some of the hands were thrown on the deck and narrowly escaped being washed overboard.
“By George, Mr. Dunton!” cried Hoppy, “that was a bad one! It’s a wonder to me how that cable stands the strain. Shouldn’t be surprised if it went under another blow like that last one!”
The same thought was in Dunton’s mind and he could not conceal his anxiety.
“I suppose you know, Mayo, that we haven’t another anchor fit to hold her in this weather?”
“By the Lord! you don’t say so? Then it’s a mighty poor show if we lose this one.”
“Is there no creek or small harbor on this cursed coast where we could take refuge?”
Hoppy expected the question and he was prepared with an answer. After a pause he said: