ntinued so calm, that Larry was quite cock-a-hoop, thinking
that he had become a perfect seaman. "I have heard tell, Maisther
Terence, that the say runs mountains high, for all the world like the
hills of Connemara, but I'm after thinking that these are all landsmen's
notions. We have been getting along for all the world like ducks in a
pond."

The very next day, Larry had a different tale to tell. In the morning
the line-of-battle ships parted from us, and we, the _Amethyst_ frigate,
and the _Piper_ corvette, had to continue our course alone, to protect
our somewhat erratic convoy. Dark clouds were seen coming up from the
north-west. The scud sped across the sky, the spin-drift flying over
the fast-rising seas. In a short time the ship began to pitch into them
as if determined to hammer them down, but they, not inclined to receive
such treatment patiently, sent masses of spray flying over our bows, as
if to show what they were capable of doing, should she persevere in her
attempt. The merchantmen on all sides were bobbing away, and kicking up
their sterns in the same comical fashion; and even the other frigate and
corvette were playing similar pranks. The tacks were got aboard,
however, and on we all went together, now heeling over when a stronger
blast than usual struck us, till the water came hissing in at our
main-deck ports. Sail after sail was taken off the ship. Now she rose
almost on an even keel, and then again heeled over as before. The
convoy followed our example, though not with the same rapidity. The
sheets had been let go, and the sails of some were flying wildly in the
breeze. Three or four lost their loftier masts and lighter spars, but
they were still compelled to keep up by the signals which we or the
_Amethyst_ threw out. At length I had to go aloft. I could not say
that I liked it. It seemed to me that with the eccentric rolls the ship
was making, I might at any moment be jerked off into the seething ocean;
but I recollected Tom Pim's advice, and held on with teeth and eyelids.
I got on, however, very well while I was aloft, and I managed somehow or
other to reach the deck. Then--oh! how truly miserable I began to feel.
Every moment I became worse and worse. As it happened, my watch was
just over, and I descended to the berth. When I got there my head
dropped on the table. I felt as I had never felt before; as utterly
unlike as could be the brave Tipperary boy I fancied myself.