ng to escape all dangers, with the ship
under moderate canvas steered to the eastward, ordering a bright
look-out to be kept. The middle watch had been called, and the fresh
look-outs, rubbing their eyes, had just gone to their posts. It was
Hixon's turn at the wheel. Peter, who was in the same watch, followed
him aft, for the old man had undertaken to give him lessons in steering.
As he stood by his side he frequently quoted passages of Scripture from
his Bible, and sometimes, by the light of the binnacle lamp, he referred
to the book, and read long portions.

Hixon having just received the course from the man he relieved had taken
hold of the spokes, when there came a sharp cry from the look-out
forward, of "Breakers ahead!" followed quickly by "Land! land!"

"Down with the helm!" shouted the officer of the watch. "All hands on
deck; brace up the yards!"

Almost before the ship's course could be altered, a fearful blow was
felt, which made the masts quiver and the ship tremble from stem to
stern--another and another followed. The sea dashed up wildly over her,
throwing her on her beam ends; then came a fearful crash, and the tall
masts fell over her side towards the dark rocks which rose close to her.
The captain and all below had rushed on deck. Awakened suddenly out of
their sleep they stood aghast, expecting instant death. Some seemed to
have lost their senses and cried wildly for help. The captain took his
post by the companion-hatch, gazing around and considering what orders
to issue.

Hixon, when he found that all hope of the ship moving off the rock was
gone, quitted the helm, and seizing Peter dragged him to the weather
bulwarks. The next instant loud shrieks were heard. A tremendous sea
washing across the deck had carried several of the crew overboard,
sweeping some away as it receded, and dashing others against the rocks.
The stern, which had been driven furthest in, afforded the most secure
place. The captain shouted to the crew to come aft; some heard him, but
the roaring of the breakers drowned his voice. Sea after sea struck the
devoted ship, and the crashing sound which followed each blow showed
that she was breaking up. Still the darkness was so great, and so
fiercely did the waters rage between the ship and the shore, that
destruction appeared to await any who might attempt to reach it.
Already the stern of the ship was quivering under the blows of the
fierce seas.

"Hold on where y