, which
never failed to engage his imagination in the most agreeable manner.

In the mean time the wind increased to a very hard gale, the vessel
pitched with great violence, the sea washed over the deck, the master
was alarmed, the crew were confounded, the passengers were overwhelmed
with sickness and fear, and universal distraction ensued. In the midst
of this uproar, Peregrine holding fast by the taffrail, and looking
ruefully ahead, the countenance of Pipes presented itself to his
astonished view, rising, as it were, from the hold of the ship. At first
he imagined it was a fear-formed shadow of his own brain; though he
did not long remain in this error, but plainly perceived that it was no
other than the real person of Thomas, who, jumping on the quarter-deck,
took charge of the helm, and dictated to the sailors with as much
authority as if he had been commander of the ship. The skipper
looked upon him as an angel sent to his assistance; and the crew
soon discovered him to be a thoroughbred seaman, notwithstanding his
livery-frock; obeyed his orders with such alacrity, that, in a little
time, the confusion vanished; and every necessary step was taken to
weather the gale.

Our young gentleman immediately conceived the meaning of Tom's
appearance on board; and when the tumult was a little subsided, went up,
and encouraged him to exert himself for the preservation of the ship,
promising to take him again into his service, from which he should never
be dismissed, except at his own desire. This assurance had a surprising
effect upon Pipes, who, though he made no manner of reply, thrust the
helm into the master's hands, saying, "Here, you old bumboat-woman, take
hold of the tiller, and keep her thus, boy, thus;" and skipped about the
vessel, trimming the sails, and managing the ropes with such agility and
skill, that everybody on deck stood amazed at his dexterity.

Mr. Jolter was far from being unconcerned at the uncommon motion of the
vessel, the singing of the wind, and the uproar which he heard about
him: he looked towards the cabin-door with the most fearful expectation,
in hope of seeing some person who could give some account of the
weather, and what was doing upon deck; but not a soul appeared, and he
was too well acquainted with the disposition of his own bowels to make
the least alteration in his attitude. When he had lain a good while in
all the agony of suspense, the boy tumbled headlong into his apartment,