The heat was now so intolerable, the light reflected from the water increasing the sensation, that he was obliged to make himself some shelter by partly lowering the sail, and hauling the yard athwart the vessel, so that the canvas acted as an awning.

Gradually the waves declined in volume, and the gentle breathing of the wind ebbed away, till at last the surface was almost still, and he could feel no perceptible air stirring.
Weary of sitting in the narrow boat, he stood up, but he could not stretch himself sufficiently for the change to be of much use.

The long summer day, previously so pleasant, now appeared scarcely endurable.
Upon the silent water the time lingered, for there was nothing to mark its advance, not so much as a shadow beyond that of his own boat.

The waves having now no crest, went under the canoe without chafing against it, or rebounding, so that they were noiseless.

No fishes rose to the surface.