The old Cap'n himself was no coward.

Indeed, in owning to his alarm he had really done a brave thing, since few have the moral courage to proclaim themselves afraid.

But Cleggett was a man of iron.

Although the tempest smote the hulk with blow after blow, although both earth and water seemed to lie prostrate and trampled beneath its unappeasable fury, Cleggett had no thought of yielding.
Unconsciously he drew himself up.

It seemed to his crew that he actually gained in girth and height.