t exposed us more than
before; we could now see about us, that is, we could see to leeward, and
Cross pointed out to me the mainmast tossing about in the boiling water,
with the main-top now buried, and now rising out clear. I nodded my
head in assent. He made a sign to say that he would go first after the
next wave had passed over us.

I found myself alone, and as soon as I had cleared my eyes of the
salt-water, I perceived Cross in the surge to leeward, making for the
floating mast. He gained it, and waved his hand. I immediately
followed him, and, after a short buffet, gained a place by his side,
just behind the main-top, which afforded us considerable shelter from
the seas. Indeed, as the main-mast was in a manner anchored by the lee
rigging to the wreck of the vessel, the latter served as a breakwater,
and the sea was, therefore, comparatively smooth, and I found my
position infinitely more agreeable than when I was clinging on the
wreck. I could now breathe freely, as it was seldom I was wholly under
water; neither was it necessary, as before, to cling for your life.

On looking round me, I found that about twenty men were hanging on to
the mast. Many of them appeared quite exhausted, and had not strength
left to obtain a more favourable berth. The position taken by Cross and
myself was very secure, being between the main-top and the catharpings,
and the water was so warm that we did not feel the occasional immersion;
five other men were close to us, but not a word was said,--indeed,
hardly a recognition exchanged. At that time we thought only of
immediate preservation, and had little feeling for anybody else.

CHAPTER FORTY ONE.

The night was now coming on; the rolling waves changed from the yellow
tinge given by the sand to green, and then to purple: at last all was
black except the white foaming breakers.

Exhausted with fatigue, it had not been dark more than two hours, when I
felt an irresistible desire to sleep, and I have no doubt that I did
slumber in this position, half in and half out of the water, for some
time; for when I was roused up by losing my balance, I looked above and
perceived that the sky was clear, and the stars shining brightly. I
then looked around me, and it was evident that the water was not so
agitated as it had been; the wind too had subsided; its roaring had
ceased, although it still whistled strong.

"Cross!" said I.

"Here I am, Captain Keene, close under your