in the
_Harold_. Two days after we left Falmouth, the wind, which had been
from the eastward and moderate, chopped round to the westward and
north-west, and began to blow very heavily. Our commander, however, was
not a man to be frightened by a capful of wind; so we close-reefed the
topsails, and lay upon our course as near as we could. The gallant
little brig headed the seas bravely, and gave us every reason to hope
that we might weather out the gale without damage. Towards the evening
of the third day, however, it came on to blow harder than ever; the
clouds came gathering up in thick masses, as if hurried one on the
other, without the means of escaping, and the sea rose higher and
higher. Mr Pullen, the master, kept glancing to windward in a
significant manner.

"What do you think of it, master?" asked Captain Cranley.

"Why, sir, the sooner that we up-helm, and run into port, the better for
the ship and ourselves," replied Mr Pullen. "There's no use straining
a vessel till every timber in her creaks and groans with pain,--that's
my opinion."

"A very just one, master, and I'll follow your advice," said the
captain. "All hands wear ship."

The delicate, operation was successfully performed. The helm was put
up--the aftersails were brailed up and furled--more headsail was got on
her. For an instant she rolled heavily in the trough of the sea; then
her headsail, feeling the full force of the wind, carried her head away
from it, and, like a sea-bird released from imprisonment, off she flew
on rapid wings before it. A number of vessels, driven in by stress of
weather, were collected in Falmouth Harbour as we entered. We ran by
them, past the flag-ship, for the purpose of bringing up, when we were
hailed with--

"What! Captain Cranley, are you afraid of a capful of wind? There's
nothing to hurt you now outside; so go to sea again without bringing
up."

These words stung our old captain to the quick.

"It's the first time James Cranley was ever taunted for being afraid of
anything, much less a gale of wind; and it shall be the last time, too,
whatever comes of it, so help me Heaven!"

Fearfully did the old man keep his vow. Accordingly, we forthwith stood
out again to sea. When we were clear of the land, we found the gale
completely abated, and we had a very fine passage, till within about a
hundred miles of our port, when it fell calm. Never do I recollect a
more perfect calm. The sea was like