Not even the great bulk and weight of the ship, which ordinarily drove through the seas without pitch or roll, were proof against waves so gigantic.

Then the wind grew fiercer and fiercer, coming in roaring squalls from the south-west.

Most of those on board were alarmed, for the great waves were dreadful to see, and the sound of the wind was a trumpet-call to fear.
The sick stayed in their cabins; the rest found an interest if not a pleasure on deck.

Among the latter were the Stonehouses, who were old travellers.

Even Pearl had already had more sea-voyages than fall to most people in their lives.