in
keeping directly before the wind until the canvas could be taken off
her. The mizzen-topsail had been furled. The main-topsail was already
on the cap, when a loud report was heard as it was split, and fluttering
violently threatened to carry away the men off the yard.

The crew with their knives endeavoured to cut it adrift, when they were
called down to assist in securing the foresail. It was of the greatest
importance to keep head sail on the ship, lest she should broach to.
The sea was rising, sending the spray in thick masses over the ship,
obscuring all objects round her.

Dick and Ben had been actively engaged aloft.

"I say, Ben, what's become of the chase?" asked Dick, shading his eyes
and looking out ahead through the driving sheets of spray.

"That's more than you or I or any one else can tell. She may be where
she was, or she mayn't. Mortal eyes can't see through that thick mist
ahead, and we are not likely to set ours on her again even if she keeps
afloat, and that's more than I can say any ship will do if it comes on
to blow much harder than it does now. I thought I knew what a gale of
wind was, but this beats all I have ever seen. Old Harry Cane rampaging
about on board with a vengeance!"

The hurricane had in truth burst on the _Marie_, and the utmost skill of
the best seamen was required to preserve her from destruction. All that
day she ran on before the wind. Spilling-lines had been got over the
closely reefed fore-topsail, but even then it seemed that the sail would
break away. With a report like a clap of thunder the mizzen-topsail was
blown clean away from the bolt ropes. The royal masts were seen bending
about like fishing-rods, first one way then the other. The lee clue of
the fore top-gallant sail was blown adrift. Two hands went aloft to
endeavour to stow it. One of the poor fellows, in making the attempt,
was torn from his hold. A wild shriek was heard as he sank into the
seething foam, without hope of being rescued. The other, pale and
trembling, came down, leaving the sails fluttering wildly. Scarcely had
he reached the deck than away went the fore top-gallant mast over the
side.

Lord Reginald bravely maintained his presence of mind, endeavouring to
act for the best, as he stood holding on to the mizzen rigging while he
issued his orders. Voules looked pale and anxious; he comprehended
fully the dangerous position of the ship. Unknown islands were ahead,
against