It was a large steamer coming down from the lakes, and hurrying on before the storm.
Again the distance was hidden.

Again, after a longer interval, the two boats were seen--the small one tacking from side to side, using every contrivance to hasten its course, and reach the port; the other holding steadily and swiftly on its way.
But as the wind increased there came with it a dense fog.

Gradually it settled down over the river and then the wind sank, blowing only, as at first, in single gusts, which wailed horribly round the house and through the trees about it.

There was nothing to see now, but still the three kept their places at the window, and hoped the fog might rise if but for a moment, and show them where the boat was.
Sometimes, indeed, the fog did vary in intensity.

A current of wind seemed to sweep through it, and then they could distinguish the lights which the steamer was now burning at the mast head, and guess how far distant that still was.