He would not stay alone in his cabin, and finally begged for Bob to keep him company.

Bob was a little diffident about going in, after the trick he had played, but the nervous passenger seemed to forget all about that.
The two sat up and talked instead of going to their berths, for sleep was out of the question amid the howling of the gale.
It was nearly morning when Captain Spark, wearing an anxious look, came into the cabin.
"Has the ship foundered?
Has it sprung a leak ?" asked Mr.Tarbill, for he saw that something was troubling the commander.
"No, we are safe yet," replied Mr.Spark gravely.

"But I think you had better put on life-preservers." "Why ?" asked Bob, beginning to feel a nameless fear.
"We are approaching a dangerous reef.

If this wind holds we can barely wear off enough to pass it.

If we strike it that will be the last of the _Eagle_.