It was possible, however, that it was oxydized, and that the pitching and rolling had broken it from the woodwork.

Now, indeed, the sea had been rougher during the night.

However it was, the compass was broken in such a manner that it could not be repaired.
Dick Sand was much thwarted.

Henceforth he was reduced to trust solely to the compass in the binnacle.

Very evidently no one was responsible for the breaking of the second compass, but it might have sad consequences.