and the brigantine."

"The enemy has doubtless seen and heard the explosion, and, as the land is
so near, they will infer that the people are saved in the boats. Our
chance of seeing more of them is much diminished by the accident of the
fire, since there will no longer be a motive for remaining on the coast."

"And will your young officers abandon their captain without a search?"

"Hope of aid from that quarter is faint. The ship ran miles while in
flames, and, before the light returns, these spars will have drifted
leagues, with the ebbing tide, to seaward."

"Truly, I have sailed with better auguries!" observed the Skimmer--"What
are the bearings and distance of the land?"

"It still lies to the north, but we are fast setting east and southerly.
Ere morning we shall be abeam of Montauk, or even beyond it; we must
already be some leagues in the offing."

"That is worse than I had imagined!--but there is hope on the flood?"

"The flood will bear us northward again--but--what think you of the
heavens?"

"Unfavorable, though not desperate. The sea-breeze will return with the
sun."

"And with it will return the swell! How long will these ill-secured spars
hold together, when agitated by the heave of the water? Or, how long will
those with us bear up against the wash of the sea, unsupported by
nourishment?"

"You paint in gloomy colors, Captain Ludlow," said the free-trader,
drawing a heavy breath, in spite of all his resolution. "My experience
tells me you are right, though my wishes would fain contradict you. Still,
I think we have the promise of a tranquil night."

"Tranquil for a ship, or even for a boat; but hazardous to a raft like
this. You see that this top-mast already works in the cap, at each heave
of the water, and as the wood loosens, our security lessens."

"Thy council is not flattering!--Captain Ludlow, you are a seaman and a
man, and I shall not attempt to trifle with your knowledge. With you, I
think the danger imminent, and almost our only hope dependent on the good
fortune of my brigantine."

"Will those in her think it their duty to quit their anchorage, to come in
quest of a raft whose existence is unknown to them?"

"There is hope in the vigilance of her of the sea-green mantle! You may
deem this fanciful, or even worse, at such a moment; but I, who have run
so many gauntlets under her favor, have faith in her fortunes. Surely, you
are not a seaman, Captain Ludlow, without a secret de