Captain Horacio cannot sleep; he is plagued by mild insomnia brought about by the stress of being at sea for far too long. He slaps his coarse, hairy cheek as he tries and once again fails to kill the annoying fly that prevents him from getting his much-needed rest. After all, it was around six in the morning when the thunderous rain ceased, and the ship's crew on the decrepit sailing vessel was able to lay down and rest. The last twenty-four hours have been gruesome for the sailors as they have been working nonstop to keep the heavy rain from sinking the ship. Understandably, this early morning, Captain Horacio feels lunatic, angry, and anxious after spending the last twenty-four hours standing at the boat's helm, battling against the immense waves that crashed on the ship's bow. He contemplates using his double-barrel pistol to kill the insect, but his gun's powder is wet and useless in such conditions. Nevertheless, not giving up on finding sleep and rest for his old body, he tosses from side to side, trying to find a comfortable position on a pile of wet straw next to a stack of half-empty wine barrels. The ship's crew worked heroically through the night and kept the torrential rains from sinking the vessel as large waves tossed the boat, making its wooden frame generate rhythmically screeching sounds all night long. It made the ship sound like a child who refused to stop crying until the first sun's rays began to penetrate the dark clouds. Some of the crew, who have newborns of their own, were reminded of how fortunate they are not to be home to deal with their children's cries in the late-night hours, making them appreciate the freedom afforded by being away from their responsibilities. After being at sea for seven months, some aboard have started to feel fatigued, and the onset symptoms of depression have begun to overshadow them. Others are homesick, making their expedition appear eternal, as they consider the many days that have passed since they first set sail from Portugal. In the beginning, everyone regarded themselves as fortunate to partake in the commission granted by a wealthy aristocrat to explore the vast Atlantic Ocean- and, if luck would have it, find new land and untold riches. However, the current feeling on board is that this voyage is nothing short of a curse. Nevertheless, the voyage, by happenstance, will eventually lead them to a mountainous island, and destiny will reward them with great wealth.