In all probability, then, this was a solitary shoal, unattached to a shore, and the gloom of a bitter disappointment began to weigh upon our spirits.
In another hour the mists had totally disappeared, and it was broad daylight.

I and M.Letourneur stood watching Curtis as he continued eagerly to scan the western horizon.

Astonishment was written on his countenance; to him it appeared perfectly incredible that, after our course for so long had been due south from the Bermudas, no land should be in sight.

But not a speck, however minute, broke the clearly-defined line that joined sea and sky.

After a time Curtis made his way along the netting to the shrouds, and swung himself quickly up to the top of the mainmast.