Snoring trades and humming sails had been our portion hitherto.
We were already nearing the island.

My restrained excitement had begun again to overmaster me; and for some time my only book had been the patent log that trailed over the taffrail, and my chief interest the daily observation and our caterpillar progress across the chart.

My first glance, which was at the compass, and my second, which was at the log, were all that I could wish.

We lay our course; we had been doing over eight since nine the night before; and I drew a heavy breath of satisfaction.

And then I know not what odd and wintry appearance of the sea and sky knocked suddenly at my heart.