m. There was a simultaneous burst of
feeling that did honour alike to the commander and the men. To the
former, in that he had so gained the affection and respect of his
people; and to the latter, inasmuch as they knew how to appreciate
such an officer.

Never was good discipline displayed in a more conspicuous manner. No
argument or entreaty could prevail on Captain Baker to change his
resolution. He again directed the men to quit the vessel, calmly
observing that his life was the least, and last consideration. The
men, upon hearing this reiterated command, stepped severally from the
poop to the rock with as much order as if they had been leaving a ship
under ordinary circumstances. Unhappily, a few of them perished in the
attempt; amongst these was Lieutenant Stanley, who, being benumbed
with cold, was unable to get a firm footing, and was swept away by
the current, his companions, with every inclination, had not the power
to save him; he struggled for a few moments--was dashed with
irresistible force against the rocks, and the receding wave engulfed
its victim.

When he had seen every man clear of the wreck, and not till then, did
Captain Baker join his crew.

As soon as they had time to look about them, the ship's company
perceived that they were on an isolated rock, separated from the
mainland by a few fathoms. The rock rose some feet above the sea, but
to their horror they perceived that it would be covered at high-water.
It seemed as if they were rescued from one fearful catastrophe, only
to perish by a more cruel and protracted fate. They watched the waters
rise inch by inch around them, appalled by the feeling that those
waters must sooner or later close over them for ever, and that nothing
could save them except the outstretched arm of Him who could bid the
waves be stayed, and say to the stormy winds, be still. Every man is
more or less courageous under circumstances of danger, when it is
attended by excitement,--such as that of the battlefield. There is a
courage which springs from companionship in danger, and a courage
derived from the fear of shame; but the test of true valour is a scene
like that we have described. _There_ was no room for a display of the
adventitious bravery which often becomes in reality the thing it
strives to appear. No man _there_ could reproach his neighbour if his
cheek should blanch and his lip quiver; all are alike appalled, but
the well-regulated mind rises superior to the r