they revealed a scene of ruin on the forepart of the
vessel, with the tall figure of Edwin as he stood on the bulwarks
wielding an axe. At last the wreck was cleared, but the seas were now
bursting over the decks and sweeping away everything not made fast.
Among other things the long-boat was carried away, and ere long all the
other boats were torn from their fastenings or destroyed. It was a
fearful night. Even the most reckless among the sailors were overawed
by such a display of the terrors of God. At such times scoffers are
wont to become tremblers, and those who "trust in God" find Him "a very
present help in trouble."

The gale was as short-lived as it was fierce. By the dawn of the
following day it had abated considerably, and it was found that less
damage had been done to the ship than might have been expected.

"We're all right, Polly, thank God!" said the captain, earnestly, when
he ventured to open the companion hatch and go below. "You prayed for
us, dear, didn't you?"

"Yes, father, I did; I prayed that our lives might be spared, if He
pleased."

"Well, Polly, our prayers have been answered," said the captain; "our
lives are spared and the ship is safe, though we've lost the foremast
and the boats. However, that can be putt to rights; we'll rig up a
jury-mast and get on famously, so keep up your heart, old girl, and give
us a nor'--. There, you'd better stay below yet awhile; it's dirty on
deck."

The weather was not long of improving. A profound calm followed the
storm. Bright sunshine banished the thunder-clouds. The contrast
between the dangers just past and the peaceful condition that prevailed
had the effect of raising the spirits of all on board the _Lively Poll_
to an unusual height, so that snatches of song, whistling, and cheery
remarks, were heard on all sides among the busy crew as they rigged up a
new mast, bent on new sails, and repaired the various damages. When
night put a stop to their labours, and every one sought repose, except
the watch and the captain and the man at the wheel, the same peaceful
calm continued. Only the long undulating swell of ocean remained to
tell of the recent storm, while the glassy surface reflected a universe
of stars.

It was at this time of profound repose and fancied security that the
death-knell of the _Lively Poll_ was sounded. In the southern seas
there is a little creature, named the coral insect (of which we shall
have more to say here