The blast shrieked, as if exulting in its wrathful mission.

Stunning and continuous, the din seemed almost to take away the power of hearing.

He, who had faced the gale, would have been instantly stifled.

Piercing through every crevice in the clothes, it, in some cases, tore them from the wearer's limbs, or from his grasp.

It penetrated the skin; benumbed the flesh; paralysed the faculties.