worst; Jack Rawson won't flinch as long as
he has a head on his shoulders."

Morton was what is called constitutionally brave, and the calmness of
his companions increased his courage. His friend, Dicky Glover, looked
at him with admiration; Morton's bearing gave him confidence. If one
who, so short a time before, was a ship's boy, was so cool and brave, of
course he who was born a gentleman, and had long been a midshipman,
ought to exhibit even more calmness and resolution. So in reality, at
this trying moment, Glover appeared as much the hero as did Morton.

Mr Calder noted both of the lads, and his heart warmed with pride as he
marked the courage of his young countrymen, though he grieved at the too
great probability of their being cut off.

The greater number of the Frenchmen were all this time agitated in the
greatest degree, each man following his own devices; the officers having
lost all shadow of control. Some had hurried below to put on their best
clothes, or to secure what valuables they possessed; others had broken
into the spirit-room, and with cans and bottles in their hands, came
reeling on deck, insisting on their officers drinking with them. Some
were dancing furiously; others were singing at the top of their voices,
but except a very few, no one was preparing for the inevitable
catastrophe. More than half were below when it came.

"Secure that coil of rope, and hold on for your lives!" shouted Mr
Calder.

The ship struck, the foremast instantly went by the board; the seas
furiously dashed up the frigate's sides, and washed through her ports
and over her deck. Each time she was struck, she shivered as if about
to be wrenched asunder.

Numbers of the hapless crew were washed away. Men and officers shared
the same fate; some were seen for a time struggling between the beach
and the ship, but the cruel seas as they rushed back, carried them off,
and hurled them among the dark rocks, where life was speedily crushed
and washed out of them.

Ronald, Glover, and Twigg, as directed, had instantly the ship struck,
hurried below to release their countrymen. The seamen, knowing what had
happened, were making desperate efforts to get out of the hold in which
they had been battened down. A capstan bar, which Morton and his
companions found outside, enabled them to accomplish their object. The
English seamen rushed upon deck, for the terrific sounds which reached
their ears, and the fierce concussi