It was at once evident that the gale had increased, for it was all they could do to keep their feet under them as they made their way to the galley.

Bert set about making a fire while the others made their way to the wheel.

Wink greeted them cheerfully enough from the lantern-lit darkness there, but his voice sounded weary in spite of him.
"I had Han take the sail down," he announced.

"She steers better without it.

The wind's pretty fierce, isn't it?
Look out!" A big wave broke over the rail and descended on them in bucketfulls.
"That's what makes it so pleasant," shouted Wink.