However, with a height of one hundred and fifty feet, their bulk must have been calculated by millions of tons.

West was watching closely in order to avoid collisions, and did not leave the deck even for an instant.
Until now, Captain Len Guy had always been able to rely upon the indications of the compass.

The magnetic pole, still hundreds of miles off, had no influence on the compass, its direction bcing east.

The needle remained steady, and might be trusted.
So, in spite of my conviction, founded, however, on very serious arguments, there was no sign of land, and I was wondering whether it would not be better to steer more to the west, at the risk of removing the _Halbrane_ from that extreme point where the meridians of the globe cross each other.
Thus, as the hours went by--and I was only allowed forty-eight--it was only too plain that lack of courage prevailed, and that everyone was inclined to be insubordinate.
After another day and a half, I could no longer contend with the general discontent.

The schooner must ultimately retrace her course towards the north.
The crew were working in silence, whilst West was giving sharp short orders for manoeuvring through the channels, sometimes luffing in order to avoid a collision, now bearing away almost square before the wind.