"I cannot turn the ship against the wind so long as it is lying still
like this. We must let the waves wash over us--there!"

While Gray was speaking the storm broke and went howling through the
rigging, filling the only sail which was unfurled. The mast creaked;
the ship groaned in all its joints, as it tipped on its side until the
ends of the yards touched the water, and for one awful moment it seemed
as if it could not right itself. Then yielding to the rudder it swung
round to the west, and offered the point of the bow to the storm. Only
the fact that it was very strongly built saved it from destruction.

"Keep to the south as much as you can," called the Captain.

"The first danger is over," said Gray breathless, "but what now? How
am I to steer a ship that won't and can't be steered in such a storm as
this. I wish Green were here in my place."

"Keep to the south as much as you can. Every inch that we get away
from the Soloman Islands is so much away from sure destruction. If we
can only avoid those coral reefs we shall be safe.--Oh, that I was ever
fool enough to listen to Redfox and steer for those accursed islands."
These last words the Captain muttered under his breath, as he realized
how quickly God's punishment was overtaking him.

"To the south, Captain, so long as mast and sails remain and the good
ship yields to the rudder; but do let Green come and take my place. I
am not capable of steering in such a storm as this."

The Captain left Gray and went immediately to the room where the