As they doubled the Cape a strong north-west
gale met them, with icy cold in its blast. The ropes were frozen, and
the sails grew stiff with hoar-frost. Rough seas rolled about them,
tossing the vessel like a toy upon their waves. The change was too
sudden and too great. All the passengers were ill, and David Chantrey
lay down in his low, narrow berth, knowing well that no hope was left to
him.
CHAPTER XVII.
ALMOST SHIPWRECKED
Sophy Chantrey was left alone to nurse her dying husband, for Ann
Holland was lying ill in her own cabin, ignorant of his extremity.
Captain Scott came down for a minute or two, but he could not stay
beside him. His presence was sorely needed on deck, yet he lingered
awhile, looking sorrowfully at his friend. Sophy watched him with a
clearer and keener glance in her blue eyes than he had ever yet seen in
them.
"What is the matter with him?" she asked, following him to the cabin
door.
"As near dying as possible," he answered, gruffly. He believed that a
good life had been sacrificed to a bad one, and he could not bring
himself to speak softly to the woman who was the cause of it.
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