Then he was silent, and all turned their faces toward the sea.
Another snow-squall swept in with a rush from the eastward, and half of the fire was blown away--a trail of sparks hissing on the snow.

They built up the fire again and waited, crouching low over the embers.

They could see nothing out to sea.

There was nothing to be done but to wait.

Some had gone along the shore to the south, keeping pace with the supposed progress of the boat, ready to help should she be thrown ashore.
Suddenly the Marquis de Gemosac, shivering over the fire, raised his voice querulously.