THE TYPHOON. 159

every timber was sending forth a shrieking protest against
the involuntary leap; the howling of the wind through
the rigging could be heard more plainly below than on
deck, and there was such a confusion of terrifying noises
as would have caused alarm in the boldest landsman.

There was no further need for her to explain to Ben
why she could not go to her room, and, pressing her hand
as if he would reassure her by his own courage, he said,
hurriedly :

“You know very well that I can’t remain here, but I
will come back as often as possible. Trust to it that you
shall learn instantly matters grow dangerous. I will keep
you in ignorance of nothing. Until you see or hear from
me again, understand that everything is going on with us
as well as possible.”

Then Ben, not daring to stay away from the deck any
longer, hurried out, and the work of getting the craft into
proper sailing trim once more was continued.

The young captain had no idea of trying to repair the
damage done by the typhoon, to any greater extent than

”

that of “patching up” the brig sufficiently to admit of
her being sailed to Anjer, where would be found every
facility for refitting.

There was quite as much work as all hands could do
during the forty-eight hours immediately following the
tempest, and both the mates turned to with the men,
understanding that Ben’s anxiety would continue to be
almost overpowering until the little craft was once more

In condition to battle with the elements.