There was nothing else for him to do.

Death stalked everywhere, and it was only a matter of time when some one of those many huge seas would fall upon the boat, roll over it, and pass on.
"'Tis the fear iv death at the hearts iv them," Louis muttered in my ear, as I passed forward to see to taking in the flying jib and staysail.
"Oh, he'll heave to in a little while and pick them up," I answered cheerfully.

"He's bent upon giving them a lesson, that's all." Louis looked at me shrewdly.

"Think so ?" he asked.
"Surely," I answered.

"Don't you ?" "I think nothing but iv my own skin, these days," was his answer.