In the distance, several freight steamers and fishing smacks appeared.

The sky became spotted with trails of smoke, which were swept along by a light eastern breeze.
What was our captain thinking of in still heading toward the port of Buffalo! Did not prudence forbid him to venture further?
At each moment, I expected that he would give a sweep of the helm and turn away toward the western shore of the lake.

Or else, I thought, he would prepare to plunge beneath the surface.

But this persistence in holding our bow toward Buffalo was impossible to understand! At length the helmsman, whose eyes were watching the northeastern shore, made a sign to his companion.

The latter, leaving the bow, went to the central hatchway, and descended into the engine room.
Almost immediately the captain came on deck, and joining the helmsman, spoke with him in a low voice.
The latter, extending his hand toward Buffalo, pointed out two black spots, which showed five or six miles distant on the starboard side.
The captain studied them attentively.