presenting her side to the wave, rising on the
succeeding one and shivering on its crest as if shaking the spray from
her shrouds, after which came the downward plunge that caused the boys
to hold their breath in fear.

The sky, the swiftly flying clouds, and the waves were of a grayish hue
looking ominous and threatening and the little craft appeared to be but
a plaything for the angry elements. That she could out-ride the gale
seemed almost impossible, and Teddy said with a shudder as he descended
the stairs:

"Don't let's stay where we can see it. I wish I hadn't looked, for, bad
as matters seem to be down here, it is as nothing compared to being on
deck."

Neal was of the same opinion, and the two passed through the cabin to
the engine-room where Jake was keeping vigilant watch over the
machinery.

"Why, I thought we were hove to," Neal exclaimed in surprise as the
engineer assisted him and Teddy to a seat by his side.

"So we are; but it is necessary to keep the screw turning, otherwise it
might not be possible to hold her in the proper position."

"How long have you been on duty?"

"Since I saw you last."

"Haven't you had any sleep?"

"I can bottle up enough when the gale abates; but just now it stands a
man in hand to have his weather eye open pretty wide, for a bit of
carelessness would work considerable mischief. I'm going to have
breakfast, an' if you boys care to join me we'll make it three-handed.
You're not likely to fare any better in the cabin than here to-day."

The boys accepted the invitation, and with some cold meat and hard-tack
placed on the locker where it could not slide off, and mugs of steaming
coffee in their hands, all made a remarkably jolly meal under the
unfavorable circumstances.

During the remainder of the day Neal and Teddy stayed below, not caring
for another view of the angry sea, and when night came the gale had so
far abated that the yacht was sent ahead once more; but owing to the
force and direction of the wind it was deemed best to continue on a
southerly course even at the expense of reaching the Caribbean Sea,
rather than take the chances of putting about.

All this Jake explained when the boys visited him just previous to
retiring, and he added in conclusion:

"It seems pretty tough to go yet further south; but Mr. Walters is a
cautious sailin' master, an' when he makes up his mind to a thing you
can count on its bein' mighty nigh right."

"Will it be possi