The wind had freshened during the night, and the floor of the cabin heaved in a sickening fashion beneath his feet as he washed himself.

The atmosphere was stifling; timbers creaked and strained, and boots and other articles rolled playfully about the floor.
[Illustration: "He felt less heroic next morning."] The strong, sweet air above revived him, but the deck was wet and cheerless and the air chill.

Land had disappeared, and a tumbling waste of grey seas and a leaden sky was all that met his gaze.

Nevertheless, he spoke warmly of the view to Captain Brisket, rather than miss which he preferred to miss his breakfast, contenting himself with half a biscuit and a small cup of tea on deck.

The smell of fried bacon and the clatter of cups and saucers came up from below.
The heavy clouds disappeared and the sun came out.