o had been lost. The heavens showed a few glimmering
stars in the openings of the clouds; and now, that the first contrast of
the change had lessened, there was just enough light to render all the
features of their actual state gloomily imposing.

It has been said, that the fore-mast of the Coquette went by the board,
with most of its hamper aloft. The sails, with such portion of the rigging
as might help to sustain it, had been hastily cut away as related; and
after its fall, until the moment of the explosion, the common men had been
engaged, either in securing the staging, or in clearing the wreck of those
heavy ropes which, useless as fastenings, only added to the weight of the
mass. The whole wreck lay upon the sea, with the yards crossed and in
their places, much as the spars had stood. The large booms had been
unshipped, and laid in such a manner around the top, with the ends resting
on the lower and top-sail yards, as to form the foundation of the staging.
The smaller booms, with the mess-chest and shot-boxes, were all that lay
between the group in the centre, and the depths of the ocean. The upper
part of the top-rim rose a few feet above the water, and formed an
important protection against the night-breeze and the constant washing of
the waves. In this manner were the females seated, cautioned not to trust
their feet on the frail security of the booms, and supported by the
unremitting care of the Alderman. Francois had submitted to be lashed to
the top by one of the brigantine's seamen, while the latter, all of the
common herd who remained, encouraged by the presence of their
standard-light, began to occupy themselves in looking to the fastenings
and other securities of the raft.

"We are in no condition for a long or an active cruise, Captain Ludlow,"
said the Skimmer, when he and his companion were out of hearing. "I have
been at sea in all weathers, and in every description of craft; but this
is the boldest of my experiments on the water.--I hope it may not be the
last!"

"We cannot conceal from ourselves the frightful hazards we run," returned
Ludlow, "however much we may wish them to be a secret to some among us."

"This is truly a deserted sea, to be abroad in, on a raft! Were we in the
narrow passages between the British islands and the Main, or even in the
Biscay waters, there would be hope that some trader or roving cruiser
might cross our track; but our chance here lies much between the Frenchman