it. If we strike it that will be
the last of the _Eagle_. We are going to do our best to wear the
ship off, but we may not succeed. It is best to be prepared."

At this ominous warning Mr. Tarbill seemed to collapse. However,
with Bob's help he donned one of the cork jackets, and the boy did
likewise. Captain Spark would not allow them on deck, but promised
to give them timely warning if the ship struck.

Then came an hour of anxious waiting. Outside there sounded the
dash of rain, the screaming of the wind, and the rush of sailors
about the deck as they hastened to obey the captain's commands.

Then, very gradually, there seemed to come a slack in the storm.
The ship rode more easily, and Bob began to take heart. A little
later Mr. Carr came down into the cabin. He breathed a sigh of
relief as he said:

"We're all right. We've passed the reef and we have nothing more
to fear for the present. The gale is going down."

"That's the best news I've heard in a year!" exclaimed Mr. Tarbill.
"Never again will I take a sea voyage for my health. I've lost
seven pounds to-night, I know I have."

Mr. Carr's words were soon verified. When morning broke the wind
and rain had ceased, though there was still a heavy sea on, which
made the _Eagle_ toss and pitch in a dangerous way.

Bob managed to get out on deck, however, and, through the clear
atmosphere that followed the storm, he saw the dim outlines of
Terra del Fuego--"The Land of Fire"--as part of the end of the
South American continent is called.

They finished the passage of the Straits of Magellan without
further incident. After that it seemed as if their troubles would
be at an end. The sea went down, and, as they made the turn around
the South American coast and once more began to approach the
equator, the _Eagle_ skimmed along like the bird whose name it bore.

"If this weather and the fair breezes keep up," said Captain Spark
one day, "we'll arrive ahead of time."

"I guess you didn't think so during the storm, did you?" inquired
Bob.

"No indeed! It seemed as if it was going to be touch and go with
us one spell. But how do you like your trip--so far?"

"Very much."

"I'm glad of it. I promised your mother it would do you good, and
I think it will."

Captain Spark was secretly delighted with the success of his
experiment. He thought Bob had given up all his tricks, but that
same day showed how much mistaken he was. The boy, seeing a ch