A hiss, which had been gradually increasing as the squall drew near,
broke into a kind of roar, and wind and waves rushed upon them as the
men bent their backs to the oars with all their might.

It was soon found that the boats had so little hold of the water that
the wind and oars combined carried them forward so fast as to decrease
considerably the danger of being whelmed by a falling wave. These waves
increased every moment in size, and their crests were so broken and cut
off by the gale that the three boats, instead of appearing as they had
hitherto done the only solid objects in the scene, were almost lost to
sight in the chaos of black waves and driving foam. Although they tried
their best to keep close together they failed, and each soon became
ignorant of the position of the others. The last that they saw of Alf's
boat was in the hollow between two seas like a vanishing cormorant or a
northern diver. Leo was visible some time longer. He was wielding the
steering-oar in an attitude of vigorous caution, while his Eskimos were
pulling as if for their lives. An enormous wave rose behind them,
curled over their heads and appeared ready to overwhelm them, but the
sturdy rowers sent the boat forward, and the broken crest passed under
them. The next billow was still larger. Taken up though he was with
his own boat the Captain found time to glance at them with horror.

"They're gone!" he cried, as the top of the billow fell, and nothing was
seen save the heads of the four men like dark spots on the foam. The
boat had in truth been overwhelmed and sunk, but, like a true lifeboat
it rose to the surface like a cork the instant the weight of water was
removed, and her crew, who had held on to the life-lines and oars, were
still safe.

"Well done the little _Hope_!" cried the Captain, while Benjy gave vent
to his feelings in a cheer, which was evidently heard by Leo, for he was
seen to wave his hand in reply. Next moment another wave hid the _Hope_
from view, and it was seen no more at that time.

"I feel easier now, Benjy, thank God, after _that_. Alf is a fair
steersman, and our boats are evidently able to stand rough usage."

Benjy made no reply. He was rubbing the water out of his eyes, and
anxiously looking through the thick air in the hope of seeing Leo's boat
again. The poor boy was grave enough now. When the might and majesty
of the Creator are manifested in the storm and the raging sea, the
merely