Barker had gone into the engine-room, now quiet and strange; the useless machinery stood still as it had been stopped when the loss of the propeller, relieving the opposition to the motor-force, allowed it to make its last frantic revolutions.

The Duke and Claudius were left alone in the main cabin.
"Well," said the Duke, "we are in for it this time, at all events." "We are indeed," said Claudius; "I hope the delay will not cause you any serious inconvenience, for I suppose we shall not reach New York for a fortnight at least." "It will not inconvenience me at all.

But I am sorry for you--for you all, I mean," he added, fearing he had been awkward in thus addressing Claudius directly, "because it will be so very disagreeable, such an awful bore for you to be at sea so long." "I have no doubt we shall survive," said the other, with a smile.

"What do you say to going on deck and having a chat with Sturleson, now that all is quiet ?" "And a pipe ?" said the Duke, "I am with you." So on deck they went, and clambered along the lee to the smoking-room, without getting very wet.
Sturleson was sent for, and they reviewed together the situation.

The result of the inquiry was that things looked much brighter to all three.
They were in a good sea-boat, well manned and provisioned, with nothing to fear from the weather, and if they were lucky they might make Sandy Hook in a week.