it, beating down channel with the
seas breaking over our bows. I was just going along the deck with some
of the cabin dinner when, the ship diving into a heavier sea than usual,
I found myself washed clean over the windlass, a piece of boiled beef
flying in one direction, a dumpling in another, and potatoes and turnips
scattered on every side. I rushed here and there to save as many as I
could, and, helped by the cook and Medley, I collected the greater
portion, but the captain looked very blue when I placed the food all
cold and sodden on the table. It spoke well for him that he did not
blow me up; but he knew that it was not from my fault that his dinner
was spoilt, and I dare say that the same thing had occurred to him when
he was a youngster.

I had just returned on deck, where the first mate, shouting "Helm's
alee!" was in the act of putting the ship about, when, as I was going
forward, I saw Medley with two other men, one of whom was John Major, an
ordinary seaman, standing a short distance from me. Suddenly I heard a
dull thud as if a heavy blow had been struck, followed by a piercing
shriek. The clew of the mainsail was lashing about wildly in the gale.
I saw a body lifted from the deck and carried over the bulwarks. It was
but a momentary glimpse. I could scarcely have told whether or not it
was a human being I had seen till I looked towards where the three
persons had been standing. One was gone. The mate instantly hove the
ship up into the wind, a grating and some spars were thrown overboard,
and the captain, rushing on deck, ordered a boat to be lowered.
Notwithstanding the dangerously heavy sea running, a willing crew, with
the second mate, jumped into her. Not seeing Medley I ran to the side,
fearing that he was the victim. I saw the grating and spars, but could
nowhere perceive a man's head amid the foaming billows. I expected
every moment as I watched the boat tumbling and tossing about that she
would be swamped. The captain and first mate were looking anxiously
towards the place where the poor fellow must have fallen, but their
countenances showed that they did not see him.

"He's lost, I fear," said a voice near me. I turned and saw Medley by
my side. I was greatly relieved.

"Who has gone?" I asked.

"John Major," he answered. "He was speaking to me at the moment."

"Very awful," I remarked, "so suddenly to be called out of the world."

"Remember, Jack, that either you or I may