They knew that the phenomenon was produced by myriads of luminous particles of phosphorescent corpuscles; but it was surprising to come across such an opalescent mass beyond the limits of the Indian Ocean.
Suddenly the barometer fell after keeping somewhat high during the earlier hours of the day.

Evidently the indications were such as a shipmaster might feel anxious at, though the master of an aeronef might despise them.

There was every sign that a terrible storm had recently raged in the Pacific.
It was one o'clock in the afternoon when Tom Turner came up to the engineer and said, "Do you see that black spot on the horizon, sir--there away to due north of us?
That is not a rock ?" "No, Tom; there is no land out there." "Then it must be a ship or a boat." Uncle Prudent and Phil Evans, who were in the bow, looked in the direction pointed out by the mate.
Robur asked for the glass and attentively observed the object.
"It is a boat," said he, "and there are some men in it." "Shipwrecked ?" asked Tom.
"Yes! They have had to abandon their ship, and, knowing nothing of the nearest land, are perhaps dying of hunger and thirst! Well, it shall not be said that the "Albatross" did not come to their help!" The orders were given, and the aeronef began to sink towards the sea.
At three hundred yards from it the descent was stopped, and the propellers drove ahead full speed towards the north.
It was a boat.

Her sail flapped against the mast as she rose and fell on the waves.

There was no wind, and she was making no progress.
Doubtless there was no one on board with strength enough left to work the oars.