"Sir, I thank thee," replied the stranger in the patois of the Norman shore. "But, if ye hope to reach dry land in safety, I pray ye look to the sail. Already the wind increases, and ere long there will be a gale."
CHAPTER XVI
THE WRECK OF L'ETOILE
"A gale coming—how dost thou know that?" demanded Gripwell anxiously.
"I have not been brought up to the sea these last six years for nothing, monsieur," replied the fisher-lad. "In my mind I can feel the coming storm. Moreover, did not Père Gobin tell old Sardeau, my patron, that 'twould be hazardous to put to sea yesternight? But, monsieur, since we are likely to be caught out, we must needs meet danger with a stout heart."
"Thou art a brave youth," observed Arnold approvingly. "What is thy name?"
"Jean," replied the other simply.
"What would'st thou have us do with the craft?" continued the man-at-arms. Bold and fearless as he was he recognized in the Norman lad his superior in the shipman's art.
"We must hoist a smaller sail, monsieur. Even now the boat is pressed over much."
As he spoke a vicious squall, the precursor of the storm, began to thrash the water a bow-shot astern.