The next day, toward evening, when they were preparing to navigate the difficult passage, there came a veritable hurricane.
Fortunately Captain Spark had in a measure anticipated it, and had taken in sail, bending on some heavy storm canvas which, small as it was, sent the ship ahead at a terrific pace.
As night came on the _Eagle_ was seen to be in a mass of swirling, tumbling waves which seemed anxious to overpower the stanch craft.
Mr.Tarbill was in a great fright.

He tried to stay in his cabin, but when the ship began to pitch and toss he could not stand it.
So donning a life-preserver, he came on deck.

Here he was much in the way, for the sailors had to be constantly rushing here and there, making ropes fast and attending to their duties.

To add to the discomforts of the situation, it began to rain in torrents.
"Oh, I know we're going to sink!" cried the nervous passenger.

"Do you think it will be soon, captain ?" "What soon ?" asked the commander, who was too busy to pay much attention to Mr.Tarbill.