Sometimes storms would suddenly rise and blow for a day or two at a stretch.

At such times the sun was hidden, and the cold became intense.

The waves that broke on board were turned into ice, covering the decks and bows, and giving to the ship a wondrous appearance.
One evening, after a gale like this had blown over, the stowaways, who had not dared to show face all day, were told to come up on deck.
What a sight! Why, the _Valhalla_ was like a ghost-ship.

The decks were white, and the bulwarks too.

Every rope and stay seemed made of frosted silver, while great icicles hung everywhere around.
It was very dark this evening, so that the children at first could hardly see anything.