From time to time the surface of the sea was broken just as if some huge fish had risen to the surface and then sunk again without showing itself.

It was something very big, judging from the commotion it made in the water; and at last he did see it or a part of it--a vast brown object which looked like a gigantic man's shoulder, but it might have been the back of a whale.

It was no sooner seen than gone, but in a very short time after its appearance cries as of birds were heard at a great distance.

The cries came from various directions, growing louder and louder, and before long Martin saw many birds flying towards him.
On arrival they began to soar and circle round above him, all screaming excitedly.

They were white birds with long wings and long sharp beaks, and were very much like gulls, except that they had an easier and swifter flight.
Martin rejoiced at seeing them, for he had been in the greatest terror at the strangeness and loneliness of the sea now that there was no land in sight.