Then, for a change, everything would go
round and round; the noise, too, the groaning and the thumping and
the cracking, the thud of the waves and the thump of the paddles,
and the general quivering, and shaking, and creaking, and
bewilderment--altogether it was a most unpleasant nightmare. They
had all dim visions of Mr. Hardy coming in several times to see
after them, and to give them a cup of tea, and to say something
cheering to them; and all four had a distinct idea that they had
many times wished themselves dead.
Upon the second morning after the storm began it showed some signs
of abating, and Mr. Hardy said to his sons, "Now, boys, make an
effort and come upon deck; it's no use lying there; the fresh air
will do you good." Two dismal groans were the only response to this
appeal.
"Yes, I know that you both feel very bad, and that it is difficult
to turn out; still it is worth making the effort, and you will be
very glad of it afterward. Come, jump up, else I shall empty the
water-jug over you. There, you need not take much trouble with your
dressing," he went on, as the boys, seeing that he was in earnest,
turned out of their berths with a grievous moan. "Just hold on by
something, and get your heads over the basin; I will empty the jugs
on them.
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