Chapter
13
LAND AT LAST.IT WAS NOT LONG BEFORE d**k’s sanguine expectations were partially realized, for on the very next day, which was the 27th, the barometer began to rise, not rapidly, but steadily, indicating that its elevation would probably continue. The sea remained exceedingly rough, but the violence of the wind, which had veered slightly towards the west, had perceptibly diminished. The tempest had passed its greatest fury, and was beginning to wear itself out.
Not a sail, however, could yet be hoisted; the smallest show of canvas would have been carried away in an instant; nevertheless d**k hoped that before another twenty-four hours were over, the “Pilgrim” might be able to carry a storm-jib.
In the course of the night the wind moderated still more and the pitching of the s
