that was by this time assembled
near the capstan. Here, in a few words, he explained the reason why he had
summoned them from their sleep. When each of the youths understood his
orders, and the nature of the new danger that threatened the ship, they
separated, and began to enter with activity, but in guarded silence, on
the necessary preparations. The sound of footsteps awoke a dozen of the
older seamen, who immediately joined their officers.

Half an hour passed like a moment, in such an occupation. At the end of
that time, Ludlow deemed his ship ready. The two forward guns had been run
in, and the shot having been drawn, their places were supplied with double
charges of grape and canister. Several Swivels, a species of armament much
used in that age, were loaded to the muzzles, and placed in situations to
rake the deck, while the fore-top was plentifully stored with arms and
ammunition. The matches were prepared, and then the whole of the crew was
mustered, by a particular call of each man. Five minutes sufficed to issue
the necessary orders, and to see each post occupied. After this, the low
hum ceased in the ship, and the silence again became so deep and general,
that the wash of the receding surf was nearly as audible as the plunge of
the wave on the sands.

Ludlow stood on the forecastle, accompanied by the master. Here he lent
all his senses to the appearance of the elements, and to the signs of the
moment. Wind there was none, though occasionally a breath of hot air came
from the land, like the first efforts of the night-breeze. The heavens
were clouded, though a few thoughtful stars glimmered between the masses
of vapor.

"A calmer night never shut in the Americas!" said the veteran Trysail,
shaking his head doubtingly and speaking in a suppressed and cautious
tone. "I am one of those, Captain Ludlow, who think more than half the
virtue is out of a ship when her anchor is down!"

"With a weakened crew, it may be better for us that the people have no
yards to handle, nor any bowlines to steady. All our care can be given to
defence."

"This is much like telling the hawk he can fight the better with a
clipped wing, since he has not the trouble of flying! The nature of a ship
is motion, and the merit of a seaman is judicious and lively
handling;--but of what use is complaining, since it will neither lift an
anchor nor fill a sail? What is your opinion, Captain Ludlow, concerning
an after life, and of all thos