We are going to do our best to wear the ship off, but we may not succeed.

It is best to be prepared." At this ominous warning Mr.Tarbill seemed to collapse.

However, with Bob's help he donned one of the cork jackets, and the boy did likewise.

Captain Spark would not allow them on deck, but promised to give them timely warning if the ship struck.
Then came an hour of anxious waiting.

Outside there sounded the dash of rain, the screaming of the wind, and the rush of sailors about the deck as they hastened to obey the captain's commands.
Then, very gradually, there seemed to come a slack in the storm.
The ship rode more easily, and Bob began to take heart.