When he stood erect the gale tore at him frantically, and at all times the spray, dashing across the deck, kept him running with water.

He grew frightfully sleepy about three and had difficulty in keeping awake.

In spite of his efforts his head would sink and at last he had to walk the few paces he could manage, accommodating his uncertain steps to the roll of the boat, in order to defeat slumber.
To say that Perry did not more than once regret his suggestion of rescuing the _Catspaw_ would be far from the truth.

He felt very lonely out there on that bow, and his stomach was none too happy.

And the thought of what would happen to him and the others if the schooner decided to give up the struggle was not at all pleasant to dwell on.