The storm mounted in strength and malevolence. The distance between the crests lengthened as the waves grew. At the top of each sea the wind howled in their ears and the rain and spray blasted them like buckshot. In the troughs between the crests, the noise and wind fell to almost bearable dimensions, but white water broke across their decks and cascaded through the scuppers. Orders were given and then countermanded by both Halsey and McCain, but it was soon clear to every skipper that he was alone, and must do whatever he could to save his ship.
