‘You can’t get out that way,’ said the man; ‘the hatches are down. Come this way, and I will show you how to get on deck.’
Edgar followed the man to the fore-part of the ship, and was well knocked about during the journey.
‘Go up there, and you’ll be able to see what it’s like before you go on deck,’ said the steward.
‘Just as well to look before I leap, I suppose,’ said Edgar.
‘I don’t think you’ll want to leap on deck when you have had a look out,’ was the reply.
Edgar climbed up the steep steps, holding on with all his might. When he reached the top he saw there was a thick glass with bars across it. He could see well enough through the glass, and the sight almost took away his breath.
A huge wave towered high above the ship, and Edgar thought if it came over the deck the vessel must surely go down. The Distant Shore gave a mad plunge, and he nearly lost his foothold. The ship seemed to dive down into the depths of the sea, and then, coming up again, shook herself all over. On second thoughts Edgar decided to remain where he was, or rather down below in the saloon. Captain Manton entered a few minutes after Edgar succeeded in finding his way back.
‘Well, my lad, you’ve got a storm at last,’ said the captain; ‘I hope you are satisfied. My wife and Eva are in their cabin, and I don’t think they are quite so pleased as you are about the weather. It will get worse before it mends.’
‘Worse?’ said Edgar. ‘Why, it’s blowing a regular hurricane, and the sea is running as high as the ship.’
‘How did you find that out?’ said Captain Manton. ‘I gave orders no one was to be allowed on deck.’