The wind was against tide, and the yachts began to throw the spray over the bows.

Bertha was struck with the confidence with which Carthew had spoken, and watched him closely.
"We shall get it a good deal worse off St.Catherine's Head," he went on.

"There is a race there even in the calmest weather, and I should advise you to get your wraps ready, for the spray will be flying all over her when we get into it." They were now working tack and tack, but the Osprey was still improving her position, and as they neared St.Catherine's Head she was a good quarter of a mile to the good.

Still Carthew maintained his good temper, but Bertha could see that it was with an effort.
He seemed to pay but little attention to the sailing of the Phantom, but kept his eyes intently fixed upon the Osprey.
"I should not be surprised at some of us carrying away a spar before long," he said.

"The wind is freshening, and we shall have to shift topsails and jibs, I fancy." They were now lying far over, and the water was two or three planks up the lee deck.