This unnatural and threatening
daylight, in which we could see one another's wild eyes and drawn faces,
was only an added tax on our endurance. The horizon seemed to have come
on all sides within arm's length of the ship. Into that narrowed circle
furious seas leaped in, struck, and leaped out. A rain of salt, heavy
drops flew aslant like mist. The main-topsail had to be goose-winged,
and with stolid resignation every one prepared to go aloft once more; but
the officers yelled, pushed back, and at last we understood that no more
men would be allowed to go on the yard than were absolutely necessary
for the work. As at any moment the masts were likely to be jumped out
or blown overboard, we concluded that the captain didn't want to see all
his crowd go over the side at once. That was reasonable. The watch then
on duty, led by Mr. Creighton, began to struggle up the rigging. The
wind flattened them against the ratlines; then, easing a little, would
let them ascend a couple of steps; and again, with a sudden gust, pin
all up the shrouds the whole crawling line in attitudes of crucifixion.
The other watch plunged down on the main deck to haul up the sail.
Pages:
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99