Oh, Nolla! It is magnificent! The waves are a mass of boiling, seething phosphorescence which actually light the whole sea! If you can hold fast, try to stand up and see.
By dint of clinging to Pollys legs and then holding fast to her waist, Eleanor managed to stand beside her friend just long enough to take one look at the fearsome sight of the ocean.
With a hushed cry of dismay Eleanor let go her hold and in another minute she was rolled over and over upon the floor with no means of ending the game of bowls until she had clutched the leg of her bed.
Oh, Polly! I wish I had never looked! Im sure we shall not be able to combat such a storm, wailed Eleanor.
Dont you go and follow Elizabeth Dalkens example of fear and cries for help, came from Polly who still clung to the window and watched with fascinated eyes. But even her powers of endurance gave way as a monster wave, crested with such bluish, iridescent light as would have daunted the bravest nerve, rushed up against the plaything which Mr. Dalken believed to be proof against all the elements.
It struck the craft with a thundering blow and at once it seemed as if pandemonium was loose. Elizabeth yelled and screamed, other voices could be heard shouting and screaming at the top of good powerful seamens lungs, and the pounding of water on the deck and against the door made both girls shiver with apprehension. Polly had let go her grasp on the brass knob when the unexpected flood of water came up against the window, consequently she was shunted over against the wall beside Eleanor.
Half a dozen great seas went over the craft while Polly and Eleanor crouched against the wall in utter despair of thinking of a way to hush the nerve-racking screams from Elizabeth. When the storm seemed to reach its height, and the girls felt that they would be lost unless something happened quick, there came a sudden and awesome lull.
Oh, thank goodness, it is over! sighed Eleanor getting to her feet, and making an effort to reach the door of her room.
Lets get out and join the others, Nolla, because I have heard that such sudden lulls are merely harbingers of something worse, advised Polly.
There can be nothing worse than what weve just passed through, said Eleanor, with a hysterical sound in her tones.
Oh, yes, there can! Hurry into Mrs. Courtneys room, said Polly, pushing her friend quickly out of the room and over to the door of the room where they expected to find their friend.
The room was vacant. The girls stared at each other, and Polly thought she heard voices in Elizabeth Dalkens room. She managed to reach it, open it, and then, before she could say a word, the lull was broken.
Both girls were tossed like cockle shells into the room where Mrs. Courtney was trying to soothe Elizabeth Dalkens nervous hysteria. At the same time such a frightful sound of pounding waters on the deck and sides and top of the yacht drove apprehension deeper into their souls. Even courageous Mrs. Courtney showed her sense of fear.
What is that noise? whispered Eleanor in a weak voice.
I dont know, dear, replied Mrs. Courtney, but it sounds like a cloud burst. The moment it is over we shall be all right.
And this is what it turned out to be. A hurricane from off shore, suddenly sweeping up gigantic clouds of water by its sheer force of velocity across the waves, and then suddenly emptying its sac of water over the defenseless craft which bravely defied the storms, endeavored to sink it.
With the pouring out of its last vial of wrath the hurricane subsided, and in half an hour all was quiet without: all but the shouting and rushing of the sailors as they ran to and fro on their duties. With the four in one small room, Elizabeth felt safer and was soon quieted. Then
when the vessel seemed to resume its untroubled course, she settled down and fell asleep. Mrs. Courtney and the two girls who had been hurtled into the room, left her and closed the door softly as they went out.
I am going to go out and see what can be seen, ventured Polly, but Mrs. Courtney dissuaded her.
You may be in the way of the carrying out of the Captains orders, Polly. Better remain satisfied with going to the saloon. I expect to find all the others there before us.
Thence the three made their way, and true to predictions, the grown-ups were assembled there talking over the narrow escape they had just had.
What time is it? asked Eleanor of Tom Latimer.
It must be near dawn, added Polly, anxiously.
Well, it isnt, replied Tom, as he took out his watch. I had not yet taken off my coat and vest when this storm came upon us. I rushed out of my room at the first blow and offered my services to the Captain, but he had prepared, thank God! We wouldnt be talking over events now had he not understood the forecast of the weather.
Tom showed the two girls his watch and to their surprise they realized that all had happened in less than twenty minutes. It was but just one oclock.
Then we ought to get back to bed and coax our beauty sleep to soothe our nerves, laughed Mrs. Courtney.