ing different orders. When he got to the
wheel he found that it had been put the wrong way, while the yards were
being braced up first in one direction, then in another. The next
instant the brig struck with a tremendous crash, throwing those on deck
off their legs, and those below out of their berths. The following sea
lifted the brig nearly her entire length more ahead, jamming her between
two rocks, and a third came rushing on board, and made a clean sweep of
everything on her decks. Jack and Adair and Needham were together.

"There are those two poor fellows below, sir. Don't let us forget
them," said the latter.

"Certainly not," exclaimed Jack and Adair together. They dived below
and brought them up, and then followed Hemming and the rest of their
shipmates into the main rigging. The authority of the Spanish officers
was now completely gone. Not an order was obeyed; indeed, every man
seemed to be aware that he must look out for himself, and that there was
no one on whom he could depend.

The first sea which came on board washed away several unfortunate
wretches; their shrieks and cries for help were heard as they were
dashed against the rocks, no one being able to render them the slightest
assistance. The greater part of the crew began to collect in the
rigging and the tops, and there they seemed to prepare themselves to
spend the night. Indeed, dark as it was, it would have been difficult,
even with strict discipline, for them to have concerted effectual
measures to save themselves. The gale increased, and with it
occasionally bright flashes of lightning darted from the black clouds.
By their light, as they went zigzagging around them. Jack, whose eyes
were the sharpest, thought he discerned close to them a rock, towards
which he resolved, should the vessel go to pieces, to endeavour to make
his way. He pointed it out to his companions.

"Stick by me, Paddy, you know; as I'm a good swimmer I may be able to
lend you a hand," he sang out to his messmate, who knew full well that
he could trust to his help.

Terrific, indeed, was that night. Few of those who long to follow a sea
life, if they could see pictured out before them all the sufferings and
hardships they may be called on to endure, would not hesitate before
adopting it. The roar of the waves as they dashed over the rocks, the
howling of the wind in the rigging, the groaning of the hull at each
successive blow she received from the seas,