ble than apprehension.

Despite their natural courage, strengthened by the late appeal to their
humanity, the awe is strong upon them. Insidiously returning as they
took their seats in the boat, it increases as they draw farther from the
frigate and nearer to the barque. Less than half-an-hour has elapsed,
and they are now within a cable's length of the strange vessel.

"Hold!" commands the lieutenant.

The oar-stroke is instantly suspended, and the blades held aloft. The
boat gradually loses way, and at length rests stationary on the tranquil
water.

All eyes are bent upon the barque; glances go searchingly along her
bulwarks, from poop to prow.

No preparations to receive them! No one appears on deck--not a head
raised over the rail!

"Barque ahoy!" hails the lieutenant.

"Barque ahoy!" is heard in fainter tone; but not in answer. Only the
echo of the officer's voice, coming back from the hollow timbers of the
becalmed vessel! There is again silence, more profound then ever. For
the sailors in the boat have ceased talking; their awe, now intense,
holding them speechless and as if spellbound!

"Barque ahoy!" again shouted the lieutenant, louder than before, but
with like result. As before, he is only answered by echo. There is
either nobody on board, or no one who thinks it worth while to make
rejoinder.

The first supposition seems absurd, looking at the sails; the second
equally so, regarding the flag at the main-royal masthead, and taking
into account its character.

A third hail from the officer, this time vociferated in loudest voice,
with the interrogatory added:

"Any one aboard there?"

To the question no reply, any more than to the hail.

Silence continues--stillness profound, awe-inspiring. They in the boat
begin to doubt the evidence of their senses. Is there a barque before
their eyes? Or is it all an illusion? How can a vessel be under sail--
full sail--without sailors? And if any, why do they not show at her
side? Why have they not answered the hail thrice given; the last time
loud enough to be heard within the depths of her hold? It should have
awakened her crew, even though all were asleep in the forecastle!

"Give way again!" cries the lieutenant. "Bring up on the starboard
side, coxswain! Under the forechains."

The oars are dipped, and the cutter moves on. But scarce is she in
motion, when once more the officer commands "Hold!"

With his voice mingle others, co