from her moorings. They
severally gave it as their opinion that we had now every chance of
riding out the gale, which, in all probability, could not continue with
the same fury many hours longer; and that even if she should part from
her anchor, the storm-sails had been laid to hand, and could be bent in
a very short time. They further stated that from the direction of the
wind being N.E., she would sail up the Firth of Forth to Leith Roads.
But if this should appear doubtful, after passing the Island and Light
of May, it might be advisable at once to steer for Tyningham Sands, on
the western side of Dunbar, and there run the vessel ashore. If this
should happen at the time of high-water, or during the ebbing of the
tide, they were of opinion, from the flatness and strength of the
floating light, that no danger would attend her taking the ground, even
with a very heavy sea. The writer, seeing the confidence which these
gentlemen possessed with regard to the situation of things, found
himself as much relieved with this conversation as he had previously
been with the seeming indifference of the forecastle-men, and the smile
of the watch upon deck, though literally lashed to the foremast. From
this time he felt himself almost perfectly at ease; at any rate, he was
entirely resigned to the ultimate result.

About six o'clock in the evening the ship's company was heard moving
upon deck, which on the present occasion was rather the cause of alarm.
The writer accordingly rang his bell to know what was the matter, when
he was informed by the steward that the weather looked considerably
better, and that the men upon deck were endeavouring to ship the
smoke-funnel of the galley that the people might get some meat. This was
a more favourable account than had been anticipated. During the last
twenty-one hours he himself had not only had nothing to eat, but he had
almost never passed a thought on the subject. Upon the mention of a
change of weather, he sent the steward to learn how the artificers felt,
and on his return he stated that they now seemed to be all very happy,
since the cook had begun to light the galley-fire and make preparations
for the suet-pudding of Sunday, which was the only dish to be attempted
for the mess, from the ease with which it could both be cooked and
served up.

The principal change felt upon the ship as the wind abated was her
increased rolling motion, but the pitching was much diminished, and now
ha