ung over the bows, from which part of the crew were
endeavouring to clear it. The main and mizen-topmasts had likewise been
carried away. Smoke was coming up the fore hatchway, down which the
rest of the people were pouring buckets of water. I went forward to
render assistance. The foremast had been struck by lightning, and the
electric fluid, after shattering it, had descended into the hold and set
the ship on fire. We worked with the desperation of despair. Should
the fire once gain the mastery, no human power could save us. The sea
was running as high as ever; it was with difficulty that the ship could
be kept before it. I exchanged but a few words with my companions; a
bucket was put into my hands, and I at once saw what I had to do. The
smoke after a time had decreased, for as yet no flames had burst forth.
"Now, lads, follow me," cried Randolph, the first officer, leaping below
with his bucket and an axe in his hand. Irby and four men sprang after
him. With his axe the mate cut a way to get at the heart of the fire.
We handed down buckets to his companions, who kept emptying them round
where he was working. The smoke was still stifling. Those below could
scarcely be seen as they worked amidst it. The bulkhead was cut
through. The seat of the mischief was discovered. Flames were bursting
forth, but wet blankets were thrown on them. The buckets were passed
rapidly down. The smoke was decreasing. "Hurrah, lads! we shall have
it under!" cried the first mate, in an encouraging tone. We breathed
more freely. The fire was subdued. The peril had indeed been great.
We had now to clear the wreck of the mast, which threatened to stave in
the bows. "The gale is breaking," cried the captain, after looking
round the horizon; "cheer up, my lads, and we shall do well!"
Encouraged by the captain the men laboured on, though from the violent
working of the ship it was not without great difficulty and danger that
the mass of spars, ropes, and canvas could be hauled on board or cast
adrift. As a landsman my assistance was not of much value, though I
stood by clinging to the bulwarks, to lend a hand in case I should be
required. While glancing to windward, as I did every now and then, in
hopes of seeing signs of the abatement of the gale, I caught sight of
what seemed the wing of an albatross, skimming the summit of a tossing
sea. I looked again and again. There it still was as at first. I
pointed it out to th