Nevertheless a few wisps of mist entered the tiny crevices, and he inferred the vessel was in a heavy fog.

He was glad of it, because he believed the schooner would move slowly at such a time, and anything that impeded the long African journey was to his advantage.
A period which seemed to be six hours but which he afterward knew to be only one, passed, and his door swung back for the third time.

The face of Miguel appeared in the opening and again he grinned, until his mouth formed a mighty slash across his face.
"You come on deck now, you Peter," he said, "captain wants you." Robert's heart gave a mighty beat.

Only those who have been shut up in the dark know what it is to come out into the light.

That alone was sufficient to give him a fresh store of courage and hope.