This page has been validated.
THE COUNT OF MONTE-CRISTO.
21
Blanc and Cape Bogador, sailing with a fair breeze south-south-west after a week's calm, when Captain Gaumard comes up to me — I was at the helm, I should tell you,—and says, 'Penelon, what do you think of those clouds that are arising there?' I was just then looking at them
myself. 'What do I think, captain? why I think they are rising faster than they have any business, and that they would not be so black if they did not mean mischief.' 'That's my opinion, too,' said the captain, 'and I'll take precautions accordingly. We are carrying too much canvas. Halloa! all hands to slacken sail and lower the flying jib.' It was time; the squall was on us, and the vessel began to heel. 'Ah,' said the
