The Devil's Tea Kettle was always an evil place.
Now it was a great boiling cauldron whose waters rose and fell in a seething white mass.
It was quite out of the question to round the Devil's Arm and beat back against the wind to the lee of the island.

There was a narrow passage between the Devil's Tea Kettle and the island.

If they could make this passage it would be a simple matter to fall in behind the island to shelter and safety.
All of these things David saw at a glance.

It was a desperate undertaking, but it was the only chance, and he held straight for the passage.

If he could keep the boat to her course, he would make it.