" He stepped inside the cabin and, leaning
forward, consulted the barometer. Harriet noted that his face wore a
look of anxiety for the moment. But it had entirely disappeared when
he returned to the deck. Once more he swept the horizon.
"How is the glass?" she asked, but in a voice too low for her
companions to hear. Harriet referred to the barometer.
"It has fallen over an inch in two hours," answered Captain Billy.
"That is a big drop, isn't it?"
"I should say so. But don't say anything to the others," he added,
with a quick glance at the girls to see if any had overheard either
his or Harriet Burrell's remarks.
"It means a blow, does it not?"
"Yes. But it may be a long way off, possibly a hundred miles or more."
"Then, again, we may be right in the center of it?" she questioned.
The skipper nodded again.
"Is there anything to be done?"
"Nothing except to make all the time we can and keep a weather eye
aloft and abroad. Watch your sails and trim them for every breath of
air. Jockey her. Now is your time to see what can be done when there
is little wind to be had."
Harriet was getting practical experience in sailing a boat such as
falls to few novices, but she took to the work like one who had long
been used to the sea and its varying moods.
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