before we have time to turn round, and blow harder than will be
pleasant for us. Gray, go to the wheel. The rest of you mount the
rigging, furl the sails, all, even the great topsail. Oh, here, you
Chinamen, get down stairs."

The scene which had just taken place on deck had so absorbed the
attention of the entire crew that now for the first time they took note
of the change. There was the same long swell on the sea, but the
beautiful blue green waters had taken on a dull leaden hue. The sky
was threatening; instead of being azure, as it had been for weeks, it
was of a peculiar grayish color, although not a cloud was visible. In
the west the sun surrounded by a dark halo was going down. First a
dark bank of clouds appeared above the horizon; then quickly, like a
giant's hand with outstretched fingers to grasp the ship which lay
motionless on the waters, it spread until it covered the sun. With
greatest anxiety the sailors watched the signs of the approaching
hurricane, making what preparations they could by furling the sails,
locking the hatchways, and fastening every rope securely.

"We're going to have a hurricane, I fear, Captain. Just see how the
quicksilver has dropped in the barometer, and we are right upon this
accursed island with its coral reefs. God have mercy on us or we are
lost," said Gray.

White with fear he looked at the barometer, then at the sky. Already
the rumblings of the storm could be heard, and in the distance sheets
of foam like a mist were being driven before the wind.

"It will be here in a moment. The first shock will strike us on the
side.--If we only don't capsize," said the Captain.