The two men were growing indistinct to each other.

"We must trust her to go through it and come out on the other side.
That's plain and straight. There's no room for Captain Wilson's
storm-strategy here."

"No, sir."

"She will be smothered and swept again for hours," mumbled the Captain.
"There's not much left by this time above deck for the sea to take
away--unless you or me."

"Both, sir," whispered Jukes, breathlessly.

"You are always meeting trouble half way, Jukes," Captain MacWhirr
remonstrated quaintly. "Though it's a fact that the second mate is no
good. D'ye hear, Mr. Jukes? You would be left alone if. . . ."

Captain MacWhirr interrupted himself, and Jukes, glancing on all sides,
remained silent.

"Don't you be put out by anything," the Captain continued, mumbling
rather fast. "Keep her facing it. They may say what they like, but the
heaviest seas run with the wind. Facing it--always facing it--that's the
way to get through. You are a young sailor. Face it. That's enough for
any man. Keep a cool head."

"Yes, sir," said Jukes, with a flutter of the heart.