athered it very well; but it was
evident that the gale had not yet come to its height. Magnificently the
brave little brig dashed through it; but it was fearful work,--the
timbers groaned, and the masts bent, every instant threatening to go by
the board. Once more Mr Pullen urged the commander to bear up.

"No, no, master," he answered, shaking his head; "I've sworn that no
power shall ever again turn me away from the port to which I am bound;
and James Cranley is not a man you would ask to break his oath, I hope."

"Well, sir, but the brig will hold her own better under closer canvas,
you'll allow," urged the master.

After some time the commander permitted the topsails to be close-reefed,
but not another stitch would he take off her. Still the brig had too
much sail set; and wearily and heavily she laboured through the yet fast
rising seas.

I had been on deck for some hours, and, drenched to the skin, was
shivering with cold, when Mr Pullen, with whom I was a favourite, told
me to go and lie down in his berth, our own not being tenable, from the
water which the straining of the ship allowed to run into it. All the
officers and the watch were on deck. In spite of the heavy pitching of
the ship, I soon fell asleep. How long I remained so I know not, when a
terrific noise awoke me. I felt the suffocation of drowning, and for a
moment saw the water in dark green masses rushing into the cabin. In
another instant it was all dark. I uttered a prayer for mercy, for I
felt that the brig was on her side and sinking. Still the love of life
did not desert me. Through the darkness I discerned one bright spot
overhead. I made for it, and as I found my hands grasping the combings
of the gun-room skylight, the brig, with a sudden jerk, righted again.
I thought it was only preparatory to going down. Still I held on. The
water rolled away, and disappeared from above and beneath me, and I was
able to obtain a clear view along the deck. What a scene of destruction
and horror met my view! Of all those living men who lately peopled her
decks, not a soul was there--not a mast was standing--not a boat
remained--as if the destroying sword of the Archangel had swept over
them. The decks were swept clear of everything; while the green
foam-topped seas, in mountain masses, rose above them, threatening every
instant to overwhelm my hapless vessel. A glance showed me all this.
Looking forward, I saw another head rising from t