A storm! The knowledge gave him pleasure.

He did not know why, but he felt that it, too, contributed hope and a chance.
The roar of the storm increased, but Miguel, who had probably spent nearly all his life at sea, continued to sleep soundly.

Robert was never in his life more thoroughly awake.
He sat up in his bunk, and now and then he heard the sound of voices and of footsteps overhead, but soon they were lost entirely in the incessant shrieking of the wind and the continuous thunder of the great waves against the side of the schooner.

In truth, it was a storm, one of great fury.

He knew that the ship although stripped to the utmost, must be driving fast, but in what direction he had no idea.