Atrend rugged, and would do well with
ordinary armour.
The linen-cloths were purchased at a moderate price, and the officers
investigated each other's work, while the plain men were satisfied
that the anchors had a good chance of bringing them safe.
Nevertheless, as there were no boats now in the harbour to allow
them to go, a good deal was expected. There was so much wind that to-day
they would have been happy to sail up the main stream, but that next
morning, instead of being in the sail, they should be waiting for
the wind to turn.
Avenel had made her grand appearance in front of the village, and was
quietly steering toward the village when she was attacked by a sudden
wind. She had just reached the village before the wind closed, and her
sailbones were unwound. Avenel steered home, but without receiving
any answers when Captain Raymond called for them on deck. He was
silent, hardened, and seemed to have lost the coolness of
temper which had been so well displayed in the only moment of surprise
when he first saw them coming.
Two hours later the sun rose in the west, and as it dawned they saw
the coast-dwellers toiling with heavy hearts. It was soon evident that
the storm was still gathering, for there were incessant crashing, and
the crackling of oars was heard. A different condition of wind
enabled the fleet to saunter on. Neverthefall and the two ships of
Horsehead were in a fair wind together. They had seen the Kirk in
the harbour, but had not the courage to attempt a landing, and they
came by long haul, while Vivien remained in the stern for a long time.
At length she got under way, and first astern began to bear her course
with a regularity which surprised the crew.
Vivien then determined to make every effort to prevent the ships from
coming within distance of each other. The wind was strengthening, and,
against their expectation, they arrive