Let the end be death, and disgrace, I meant to fight grimly on until that end came.

In that hour I knew she was more to me than life, or even honor.

Far more than mere duty bound me; I was prisoner to love.
The dawn came cold and gray, but with clearing skies.

The force of the wind increased, becoming unsteady, and causing a choppy sea, so that I felt impelled to lower the topsails and take a reef in the larger canvas.

Nothing was reported in sight, but to reassure myself, I climbed into the main crosstrees, and swept the horizon with a glass.
Not so much as a speck rewarded my efforts, and I descended the ratlines, shouting to the boatswain to call the port watch.