The climate of
Scotland had not done with them yet: for three days they lay
storm-stayed in Poolewe, and when they put to sea on the morning of
the fourth, the sailors prayed them for God's sake not to attempt
the passage. Their setting out was indeed merely tentative; but
presently they had gone too far to return, and found themselves
committed to double Rhu Reay with a foul wind and a cross sea.
From half-past eleven in the morning until half-past five at night,
they were in immediate and unceasing danger. Upon the least
mishap, the PURGLE must either have been swamped by the seas or
bulged upon the cliffs of that rude headland. Fleeming and
Robertson took turns baling and steering; Mrs. Jenkin, so violent
was the commotion of the boat, held on with both hands; Frewen, by
Robertson's direction, ran the engine, slacking and pressing her to
meet the seas; and Bernard, only twelve years old, deadly sea-sick,
and continually thrown against the boiler, so that he was found
next day to be covered with burns, yet kept an even fire.
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