The storm lasted only two hours to the relief of both passengers and crew.  Several days later, they faced an even worse storm.  This time there were no dolphins to warn them, only forceful winds, enormous black clouds and swel­ling waves. Soon after the air grew heavy and the rain started, the passengers went below while the crew of The Benison Felicity furled the sails and prepared for the rage of the sea.

Then it began. Lightning repeatedly stretched its bright forks against the dark west­ern sky, followed by frightening claps of rolling thunder. First one, then two men held the wheel tight to keep the massive rudder straight. At the bow, Masters tied himself to the forestay and rode the pitch of the vessel as it reared -- then plunged with each new wave. His face mercilessly whipped by the gale, he constantly tested the tightness of the water soaked ropes, and watched for other ships and dangerous chunks of ice.

Captain MacPherson shouted orders above the unearthly whine of the wind through the rigging as wave after wave crashed on the deck. Ordinary sailors fought to keep the tethered sails from breaking their restraints. When his shouts could be heard no more, MacPherson added his strength to the wheel. Again and again, the wheel tension slackened, only to abruptly tightened in the violent thrash of the next wave.

Finally, the wind subsided. The lightening and dark clouds passed, the rain eased, the waves calmed -- and the sea rested.