latter.

"I do not like his manner of steering!" observed the Skimmer to the silent
and attentive Ludlow. "He yaws broadly, as if disposed to give up the
search. God grant him the heart to continue on his course ten minutes
longer!"

"Have we no means of making ourselves heard?" demanded the Alderman.
"Methinks the voice of a strong man might be sent thus far across the
water when life is the stake."

The more experienced shook their heads; but, not discouraged, the burgher
raised his voice with a power that was sustained by the imminency of the
peril. He was joined by the seamen, and even Ludlow lent his aid, until
all were hoarse with the fruitless efforts. Men were evidently aloft, and
in some numbers, searching the ocean with their eyes, but still no
answering signal came from the vessel.

The ship continued to approach, and the raft was less than half a mile
from her bows, when the vast fabric suddenly receded from the breeze,
showed the whole of its glittering broadside, and, swinging its yards,
betrayed by its new position that the search in that direction was
abandoned. The instant Ludlow saw the filling-off of the frigate's bows,
he cried--

"Now, raise your voices together;--this is the final chance!"

They united in a common shout, with the exception of the 'Skimmer of the
Seas.' The latter leaned against the top with folded arms, listening to
their impotent efforts with a melancholy smile.

"It is well attempted," said the calm and extraordinary seaman when the
clamor had ceased, advancing along the raft and motioning for all to be
silent; "but it has failed. The swinging of the yards, and the orders
given in waring ship, would prevent a stronger sound from being audible to
men so actively employed. I flatter none with hope, but this is truly the
moment for a final effort."

He placed his hands to his mouth, and, disregarding words, he raised a cry
so clear, so powerful, and yet so full, that it seemed impossible those in
the vessel should not hear. Thrice did he repeat the experiment, though it
was evident that each successive exertion was feebler than the last.

"They hear!" cried Alida. "There is a movement in the sails!"

"'Tis the beeeze freshening;" answered Ludlow in sadness, at her side.
"Each moment takes them away!"

The melancholy truth was too apparent for denial, and for half an hour the
retiring ship was watched in the bitterness of disappointment. At the end
of that time, she fire