The air was soft, the breeze dying down, and the height of the waves decreasing; the raft floated more easily, and it no longer became necessary for them to cling tightly to the supports to prevent being flung overboard.

But there came out of the void no promise of rescue; the sea remained desolate and untraversed, and finally a mist hung over the water, narrowing the horizon.

During the day they saw smoke but always far to the east, and quickly disappearing.

Once West felt assured his eyes caught the glimmer of a white sail to the southward, but it was too far away for him to be sure.

At best, it was but a momentary vision, fading almost instantly against the grey curtain of sky.