The scene which had just taken place on deck had so absorbed the attention of the entire crew that now for the first time they took note of the change.  There was the same long swell on the sea, but the beautiful blue green waters had taken on a dull leaden hue.  The sky was threatening; instead of being azure, as it had been for weeks, it was of a peculiar grayish color, although not a cloud was visible.  In the west the sun surrounded by a dark halo was going down.  First a dark bank of clouds appeared above the horizon; then quickly, like a giant’s hand with outstretched fingers to grasp the ship which lay motionless on the waters, it spread until it covered the sun.  With greatest anxiety the sailors watched the signs of the approaching hurricane, making what preparations they could by furling the sails, locking the hatchways, and fastening every rope securely.

“We’re going to have a hurricane, I fear, Captain.  Just see how the quicksilver has dropped in the barometer, and we are right upon this accursed island with its coral reefs.  God have mercy on us or we are lost,” said Gray.

White with fear he looked at the barometer, then at the sky.  Already the rumblings of the storm could be heard, and in the distance sheets of foam like a mist were being driven before the wind.

“It will be here in a moment.  The first shock will strike us on the side.—­If we only don’t capsize,” said the Captain.

“I cannot turn the ship against the wind so long as it is lying still like this.  We must let the waves wash over us—­there!”

While Gray was speaking the storm broke and went howling through the rigging, filling the only sail which was unfurled.  The mast creaked; the ship groaned in all its joints, as it tipped on its side until the ends of the yards touched the water, and for one awful moment it seemed as if it could not right itself.  Then yielding to the rudder it swung round to the west, and offered the point of the bow to the storm.  Only the fact that it was very strongly built saved it from destruction.

“Keep to the south as much as you can,” called the Captain.

“The first danger is over,” said Gray breathless, “but what now?  How am I to steer a ship that won’t and can’t be steered in such a storm as this.  I wish Green were here in my place.”

“Keep to the south as much as you can.  Every inch that we get away from the Soloman Islands is so much away from sure destruction.  If we can only avoid those coral reefs we shall be safe.—­Oh, that I was ever fool enough to listen to Redfox and steer for those accursed islands.”  These last words the Captain muttered under his breath, as he realized how quickly God’s punishment was overtaking him.

“To the south, Captain, so long as mast and sails remain and the good ship yields to the rudder; but do let Green come and take my place.  I am not capable of steering in such a storm as this.”