seemed more cheerful.

It may be easily believed that there was no conversation during those
hours of elemental strife, though the thoughts of each were busy enough.
At last the thunder ceased, or, rather, retired as if in growling
defiance of the world which it had failed to destroy. Then the sky began
to lighten a little, and although the wind did not materially abate in
force it became more steady and equal. Before noon, however, it had
subsided so much that Moses suggested the propriety of continuing the
voyage. To this Van der Kemp agreed, and the floating anchor was hauled
in; the large paddle was resumed by the hermit, and the dangerous
process of turning the canoe was successfully accomplished.

When the mast was again set up and the close-reefed main and foresails
were hoisted, the light craft bounded away once more before the wind
like a fleck of foam. Then a gleam of sunshine forced its way through
the driving clouds, and painted a spot of emerald green on the heaving
sea. Soon after that Van der Kemp opened the lid, or hatch, of the
forehold, and Spinkie, jumping out with alacrity, took possession of his
usual seat beside the mast, to which he clung with affectionate
tenacity. Gradually the wind went down. Reef after reef of the two sails
was shaken out, and for several hours thereafter our travellers sped
merrily on, plunging into the troughs and cutting through the crests of
the stormy sea.

CHAPTER XIII.

FRIENDS ARE MET WITH, ALSO PIRATES, AND A LIFE-OR-DEATH PADDLE ENSUES.

In physics, as in morals, a storm is frequently the precursor of a dead
calm.

Much to the monkey's joy, to say nothing of the men, the sun erelong
asserted its equatorial power, and, clearing away the clouds, allowed
the celestial blue to smile on the turmoil below. The first result of
that smile was that the wind retired to its secret chambers, leaving the
ships of men to flap their idle sails. Then the ocean ceased to fume,
though its agitated bosom still continued for some time to heave.
Gradually the swell went down and soon the unruffled surface reflected a
dimpling smile to the sky.

When this happy stage had been reached our voyagers lowered and stowed
the canoe-sails, and continued to advance under paddles.

"We get along wonderfully fast, Van der Kemp," said Nigel, while resting
after a pretty long spell; "but it seems to me, nevertheless, that we
shall take a considerable time to reach Borneo at this rate