His face, therefore, as he climbed on board
ship, was in strong contrast to the grave and serious visage of his master.
Before the vessel had passed Greenwich he had made the acquaintance of the
two ship's-boys, and soon felt perfectly at home on board. He watched with
great interest other craft that they met or passed, and noted with great
satisfaction that they overhauled several who had, when first seen, been
two or three miles ahead. The wind was blowing briskly from the south-west,
and with her great sail set the vessel ran quickly through the water. Even
when the tide turned she held on her course, and keeping close inshore made
good way against it. Many times during the night he went out from the close
sleeping--place to assure himself that the vessel was still making way.
When morning broke the tide had again turned, and Ulf found that the vessel
was now holding her course near the middle of the river, which had widened
to an extent that seemed wonderful to him.
"Where have we got to now?" he asked one of the boys. "Are we out at sea?
There does not seem to be any land on the right hand."
"You would see it if it were clear. We are just opposite Foulness."
"The vessel rolls about a good deal."
"Do you feel ill?" the boy laughed. "This is nothing."
"No; I feel hungry, but that is all."
"If the wind holds as it is we shall not have it rougher than this, for we
shall steer more and more north, and as we always keep inside the sands the
land will shelter us.
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