ery grew louder. She began to forge ahead faster and faster. Soon she was throwing up a big bow wave and plunging through the seas at a fast pace.
Although the wind had abated and the seas were greatly lessened, the Iroquois rolled more than she had rolled before, even when the wind was at its worst. That was because the ship was now running almost in the trough of the seas, whereas during the trip up the Gulf Stream both wind and seas had been almost dead astern.
For a time Henry stood on the bridge, watching the clear and sparkling sea. The quarter-master, Mr. Andrews, was also on watch, with the lieutenant. Henry was much drawn to the quartermaster. He was a young fellow not many years older than Henry himself. He had a fine fresh face, and his eye was alight with ambition. His every movement suggested strength and energy and determination. As the ship’s bell struck the hour, he said: “I must look at the log. Would you like to come with me?”
“Sure,” said Henry, and the two slipped down the ladder to the deck and skipped aft. Henry was getting his sea-legs fast.
Attached to the taffrail Henry saw the log the captain had described to him. It appeared to be merely a long piece of heavy twine, trailing behind the ship. But it was revolving fast.