He would test his strength often and at night Obed White would test it, too, but always he was lacking in some particular.

Then Obed would shake his head wisely and say: "Wait." One night they heard the sea more loudly than ever before.

It rolled heavily, just over their heads.
"There must be a great storm on the gulf," said Obed White.

"I've lost count of time, but perhaps the period of gales is at hand.

If so, I'm not sorry, it'll hide our flight across the water.