The sea was confused and treacherous.

In such a time as this the old fisherman prayed, "Remember, Lord, my ship is small and thy sea is so wide!" I saw now only the gleaming crests of the waves.

They showed white teeth while the sloop balanced over them.

"Everything for an offing," I cried, and to this end I carried on all the sail she would bear.

She ran all night with a free sheet, but on the morning of March 4 the wind shifted to southwest, then back suddenly to northwest, and blew with terrific force.