Both are brave enough, and yet the situation is such that a strange feeling creeps over the stoutest heart.
When John appears, and tells them what the captain has said, it reassures them considerably, and they feel better.
Presently he leaves them, and seeks his berth, where he actually goes to sleep. Tired nature will assert her power, even under the most discouraging conditions.
During the night the storm abates.
John Craig is awake early, and can tell that all is well from the easy motion of the steamer, for her plunges are few and of small moment. A silence broods over the scene; the tired passengers have gone to sleep; all John can hear as he lies there is the dull throb of the engines and the swish of water against the side of the vessel.
CHAPTER XII.
TO THE HOUSE OF BEN TALEB.
Algiers!
The sunset gun is just booming over the African hills as the steamer drops anchor off the wonderful city where the French have gained a foothold and seem determined to stay.