Sailors have all sorts of superstitions about them but, of course, excepting that they are signs of the condition of the air, they are perfectly harmless." He raised his voice.
"Don't stand near the foot of the masts, lads; keep well away from them.

There is nothing to be afraid of, in those lights; but if we happened to be struck by lightning and it ran down the mast, some of you might be knocked over.
"I don't know why," he continued, to Harry, "the first flash of lightning at the beginning of a storm is always the most dangerous.
I can't account for it, in any way, but there is no question as to the fact.

I always feel relieved when the first clap of thunder is over; for I know, then, that we are comparatively safe from danger, in that way." Gradually the stars disappeared.
"Mr.Hardy," the captain said to the lieutenant, who was standing near, "will you go down to my cabin, and see how the glass stands ?" Harry did not hear the answer, when Hardy returned, but Fairclough said to him: "It has gone down another quarter of an inch since I looked at it, half an hour ago; and it was as low, then, as I have ever seen it.
"Mr.Hardy, you had better send the men aloft, and furl the main top-sail, altogether; and run down the fore stay-sail.

We can get it up again, as soon as the first burst is over.

Put four men at the wheel." There was still no breath of wind stirring.