d make a rapid passage to Waterford; but those hopes were
doomed to disappointment. Scarcely had the _Ouzel Galley_ passed
Bellevue than signs of a coming gale from the westward were perceptible.
So partial, however, are the disturbances of the atmosphere in that
region, that Owen kept the ship under all sail in the expectation of
being able to run out of it before it reached him. Still he was too
good a seaman not to take the necessary precautions. All hands remained
on deck, while he continually turned his eye to windward, to be ready to
shorten sail immediately it became absolutely necessary. As the day
drew on, the blue mountains of Jamaica grew less and less distinct.
Should the gale overtake him, it was of the greatest importance to gain
a good offing, for in mid-channel he would not have much to fear. The
_Ouzel Galley_ was a stout ship, and, if well handled, might brave the
fiercest hurricane. The log was hove. She was making between eight and
nine knots, a speed she could not often exceed. The wind was well aft
and all her sails filled. His hopes of escaping the gale continued.
After some time, however, he saw that the dark bank of clouds which had
long been visible above the horizon was rising more rapidly than at
first. Then masses detached themselves and came rushing across the sky,
breaking into numerous portions, like the riflemen of an advancing force
feeling their way through an enemy's country. Still he carried on to
the last moment.

"In studding-sails!" he suddenly shouted. "Let fly royal and topgallant
sheets!"

The first-named sails were speedily hauled down. The crew then hurried
aloft to hand the others, which were fluttering in the wind.

"Three reefs in the topsails!" was the next order given.

A strong crew alone could have performed the operation as rapidly as it
was got through. The courses were next brailed up. Still the ship flew
on as fast as previously before the rising gale.

"Bedad! and it's my belafe that we're going to have old Harry Cane on
board," observed Dan to Pompey.

"You not far wrong dere," answered the black. "Cappen Massey know what
him about. I'se sooner be 'board _Ouzel Galley_ when a hurricane
blowing dan on board many a king's ship, when de cappen tink he berry
wise an' carry on till de masts go ober de side."

"Troth! an' ye're right there, Pompey, my jewel! We'll be afther
running out of the harricane, and sorra the worse will we be."

The c