CHAPTER V

Summary

Tuesday 25th.—This day, as I have observed, brought us no improvement as regarded our progress. The weather was finer, but the winds were light and against us. But, as it afterwards appeared, this was but a lull in the series of gales we had lately had and were still to have: for during the next night (Wednesday 26th) it began to blow again with great fury from the westward, accompanied by a heavy sea, and greater cold than we had yet experienced. In vain the little Albert tried to stem it, plunging and driving and tossing the crest of each fierce wave over her bows as if in proud contempt: it would not do. Struggling and staggering under the tremendous seas that rolled towards her, she evidently needed relief; and accordingly the small portion of canvass that remained upon her was still further lessened for the purpose, and she was then hove to. Lightly did she then ride upon the waters, grateful, poor thing, for the boon we had thus afforded her.

Thursday 27th.—The following morning the gale abated, and all sail was made, to light breezes from the westward and north. A complete change in the weather took place, and the sun in all its beauty was shining in a cloudless sky, while the wind was like a gentle summer breeze. That wind, however, continued foul; and thus were we in the same position as about a week previous.