"I don't suppose we'd have the least chance in either place," was the doleful reply.
"That vessel might have taken us off," grumbled Ben.
Ralph was feeling too badly to talk, and he stared at the fog in a despairing way. They sat there until the wind began to blow, and the spray from the big waves to dash over them; then, as a last resort, they retreated to the cabin.
"Good-night, captain," said Ralph dolefully as he passed.
"What! you two fellows on deck yet! I thought I sent you below a couple of hours ago. Down with you! You'll be washed overboard if you stay up here."
CHAPTER XVI.
A WRETCHED NIGHT.
The boys went reluctantly into their berths, but not to sleep.
Sick and frightened, they could only listen anxiously to the beating of the waves against the vessel, and the hurried movements of the two men on deck, as, tossed by the winds and the sea, the Una rolled heavily to and fro.
The moments seemed hours, and the hours seemed ages.