It was evident my countryman was not a man to be easily disheartened; he bowed to us with a pleasant smile, and we continued our way to the stern, where a steersman told us that the rudder-chains had been jammed in the interval between the two swoops.
"If that accident had happened when we were turning," said Pitferge to me, "I cannot say what would have become of us, for the sea would have rushed in, in overwhelming torrents; the steam pumps have already begun to reduce the water, but there is more coming yet."
"And what of the unfortunate sailor?" asked I of the Doctor.
"He is severely wounded on his head, poor fellow! he is a young married fisherman, the father of two children, and this is his first voyage. The doctor seems to think there is hope of his recovery, and that is what makes me fear for him, but we shall soon see for ourselves. A report was spread that several men had been washed overboard, but happily there was no foundation for it."
"We have resumed our course at last," said I.
"Yes," replied the Doctor, "the westerly course, against wind and tide, there is no doubt about that," added he, catching hold of a kevel to prevent himself from rolling on the deck." Do you know what I should do with the Great Eastern if she belonged to me? No. Well, I would make a pleasure boat of her, and charge 10,000 francs a head; there would only be millionaires on board, and people who were not pressed for time. I would take a month or six weeks going from England to America; the ship never against the waves, and the wind always ahead or astern; there should be no rolling, no pitching, and I would pay a 100l. in any case of sea-sickness."
"That is a practical idea," said I.
"Yes," replied Pitferge, "there's money to be gained or lost by that!"
In the meantime the Great Eastern was slowly but steadily continuing her way; the swell was frightful, but her straight stem cut the waves regularly, and shipped no more water. It was no longer a metal mountain making against a mountain of water, but as sedentary as a rock the Great Eastern received the billows with perfect indifference. The rain fell in torrents, and we were obliged to take refuge
