He then grasped his single-blade paddle and aided Moses in keeping her head to wind and sea.

For a few minutes this was all that could be done.

Then the first violence of the squall passed off, allowing the deck of the little craft to appear above the tormented water.

Soon the waves began to rise.
The mere keeping of the canoe's head to wind required all the attention of both master and man, while Nigel sat waiting for orders and looking on with mingled feelings of surprise and curiosity.

Of course they were all three wet to the skin, for the water had got up their sleeves and down their necks; but, being warm, that mattered little, and the oiled aprons before mentioned, being securely fastened round their waists, effectually prevented any of it from getting below save the little that passed through the thickness of their own garments.
No word was spoken for at least a quarter of an hour, during which time, although they rose buoyantly on the water, the waves washed continually over the low-lying deck.