"

The reader will be surprised at my having no conversation with any other
party but Cross; but the fact was, that although it was only
occasionally that a heavy sea poured over us, we were blinded by the
continual spray in which the frigate was enveloped, and which prevented
us not only from seeing our own position, but even a few feet from us;
and, as if any one who had not a firm hold when the seas poured over the
deck, was almost certain to be washed overboard, every man clung to
where he was; indeed, there were not fifty men on deck; for those who
had not been washed overboard by the first seas, had hastened to get
under the half-deck; and many had been washed overboard in the attempt.

The most painful part was to hear the moaning and cries for help of the
poor fellows who lay jammed under the heavy spars and boats which had
been washed aft, and to whom it was impossible to afford any relief
without the assistance of a large body of men. But all I have described
since the anchors were let go occurred in a few minutes.

On a sudden, the frigate heeled over to starboard, and at the same time
a sea broke over her chesstree, which nearly drowned us where we were
clinging. As soon as the pouring off of the water enabled us to recover
our speech, "She has parted, Cross, and all is over with us," said I.

"Yes, sir; as soon as she strikes, she will break up in ten minutes. We
must not stay here, as she will part amidships."

I felt the truth of the observation, and, waiting until a heavy sea had
passed over us, contrived to gain the after ladder, and descend. As
soon as we were on the main deck, we crawled to the cabin, and seated
ourselves by the after-gun, Cross having made a hold on to a ring-bolt
for us with his silk neck-handkerchief.

There were many men in the cabin, silently waiting their doom. They
knew that all was over, that nothing could be done, yet they still
contrived to touch their hats respectfully to me as I passed.

"My lads," said I, as soon as I had secured my hold, "the cables have
parted, and the ship will strike, and go to pieces in a very short time;
recollect that the masts to leeward are your best chance."

Those who were near me said, "Thank you, Captain Keene;" but the words
were scarcely out of their mouths, when a shock passed through the whole
vessel, and communicated itself to our very hearts. The ship had struck
on the sand, and the beams and timbers had not ceased tremblin