They had no way of forming any judgment about their course, but by knowing the point from whence the wind blew, and by keeping the boat in a relative position towards it.

I encouraged them as well as I could, though I was beginning to be uneasy myself, and also sick.

In about a quarter of an hour they began to complain again.
They said they could pull no longer.

They acknowledged, however, that they were getting nearer to the shore, though on what part of it they could not tell.

I could do nothing but bid them hope.