It was a time of war and all vessels were more than commonly wary, but one might come at last, and, in some way he would give a signal for help.

How he did not know, but the character of the schooner was more than doubtful, and he might be able, in some way, yet unsuggested, to say so to any new ship that came.
But the surface of the sea, so far as their own particular circle of it was concerned, was untroubled by any keel save their own.

It was as lone and desolate as if they were the first vessel to come there.

They fell into a calm and the schooner rocked in low swells but made no progress.
The sun shone down, brassy and hot, and Robert, standing upon the deck, looked at the sails flapping idly above.

Although it carried him farther and farther away from all for which he cared, he wished that the wind would rise.