The jib was kept on, however, to hold us steady.

We were now merely breasting the current, and driving on a little with the gusts.

Soon it began to rain,--rain and snow together.
The dreariness and uncertainty of our situation can hardly be imagined.

We did not even know how near we were to the foot of the cliffs, and could merely keep the schooner headed as she had been during the afternoon.
"The main thing for us now is to keep her as nearly stationary as we can," said the captain.

"Between wind and water, I hope not to move half a knot all night." It was now nearly twelve.
"We may as well go below," said Kit.