strife or
struggle have been observed upon the barque.

All the more mystery; and pondering upon it, the frigate's crew are
strengthened in their superstitious faith. Meanwhile, the cutter is
making way across the stretch of calm sea that separates the two ships,
and although with reduced strength of rowers, cleaves the water quickly.
The movements of the men indicate excitement. They pull as if rowing
in a regatta! Soon they are near enough to be individually recognised,
when it is seen that neither of the two officers is in the boat! Nor
the coxswain--one of the oarsmen having taken his place at the tiller.

As the boat draws nearer, and the faces of the two men seated in the
stern-sheets can be distinguished, there is observed upon them an
expression which none can interpret. No one tries. All stand silently
waiting till the cutter comes alongside, and sweeping past the bows,
brings up on the frigate's starboard beam, under the main-chains.

The officers move forward along the gangway, and stand looking over the
bulwarks; while the men come crowding aft, as far as permitted.

The curiosity of all receives a check--an abrupt disappointment. There
is no news from the barque, save the meagre scrap contained in the
lieutenant's order: "Back to the ship, and bring the doctor."

Beyond this the cutter's crew only knew that they have seen the hairy
men. Seen and heard them, though without understanding a word of what
these said. Two had sprung upon the shrouds, and shouted at the
cutter's people, as if scolding them off!

The tale spreads through the frigate, fore and aft, quick as a train of
powder ignited. It is everywhere talked of, and commented on. On the
quarter, it is deemed strange enough; while forward, it further
intensifies the belief in something supernatural.

The tars give credulous ear to one who cries out: "That's a phantom
ship--sure!"

Their other comrade repeats what he said in the boat, and in the
self-same words:

"Shipmates, we may never see that lieutenant again, nor the young
reefer, nor the old cox--never!"

The boding speech appears like a prophecy, on the instant realised.
Scarce has it passed the sailor's lips, when a cry rings through the
frigate that startles all on board, thrilling them more intensely than
ever.

While the men have been commenting upon the message brought back from
the barque, and the officers are taking steps to hasten its execution--
the doctor getti