forming the usual routine of ship's duty.

Fortunately a small rock was discerned through the mist, and as it
seemed to be at no great distance, it presented a means of escape from
the most pressing danger. Without a moment's hesitation, a man of the
name of Lennard sprang forward, and seizing a lead-line, jumped into
the sea; but the current setting directly against him to the
northward, his efforts were unavailing, and with difficulty he was
dragged on board again.

It might be supposed that Lennard's failure would have damped the
spirits of the men, and deterred them from a second attempt. But it
seems to have had a contrary effect, and to have stirred them up to
renewed exertion. A consultation was held as to the next steps to be
taken. The only hope that remained was in the gig, (the jolly-boat
having been washed away,) when Turner, the boatswain, as brave a
fellow as ever breathed, volunteered to make the attempt. He secured a
rope round his body, and was then lowered into the boat. The tackling
was let go, the men gave a cheer, and the boat, with its occupant, was
borne away by the current.

With intense anxiety the men on the wreck watched the progress of
Turner, who had been carried in the boat to within a few feet of the
rock; then the watchers saw it balanced upon the crest of a huge wave,
and the next moment it was dashed to pieces upon the rock; the
boatswain, however, retained his presence of mind; he kept hold of
the rope when dashed out of the boat, and succeeded in scrambling up
the cliff.

In the meantime, the waves were making heavy breaches over the ship;
the crew clung by the ropes on the forecastle; each succeeding wave
threatened them all with destruction; when a tremendous sea lifted her
quarter over the rock on which she had at first struck, and carried
her close to that on which the boatswain stood. The forecastle, which
up to this time had been the only sheltered part of the ship, was now
abandoned for the poop; and as Captain Baker saw no chance of saving
the vessel, he determined to remove the people from her if possible.

Calling around him his officers and men, he communicated to them his
intentions, and pointed out the best means of securing their safety.
He then ordered every man to make the best of his way from the wreck
to the rock. Now, for the first time, his orders were not promptly
obeyed; all the crew to a man refused to leave the wreck unless
Captain Baker would precede the