But he was sure to be swamped if he should attempt to turn the boat broadside to the waves in such a gale.

The only possible salvation for him was to cut the approaching billows with the bows of the boat.

Thus he might possibly ride over them, though at the imminent peril, every moment, of shipping a sea which would engulf him and his frail boat in a watery grave.
In this way he reached the shore, two miles above the proper landing-place.

The canoe was then half full of water.

He was drenched with spray, which was frozen into almost a coat of mail upon his garments.