They were deluged by a water spout and again their little vessel rocked fearfully.

Obed White called out cheerfully: "Still right side up! They may shoot more cannon balls at us, Ned, but they won't hit as near as that again!" "No, it's not likely," said Ned, "but there come the boats!" Large boats rowed by eight men apiece had now put out, but they, too, were troubled by the wind and the high waves, and the boat they pursued was so small that it was lost to sight most of the time.

The wind and darkness while a danger on the one hand were a protection on the other.
Fortunately both current and wind were bearing them in the direction they wished, and they struggled with the energy that the love of life can bring.

All the large boats save one now disappeared from view, but the exception, having marked them well, came on, gaining.

An officer seated in the prow, and wrapped in a long cloak, hailed them in a loud voice, ordering them to surrender.
"Ned," said Obed White, "you keep the boat going straight ahead and I'll answer that man.