g in the
direction where he pointed, I perceived the brig within two miles of the
shore, dismantled, and tossing in the waves.

"I see her," replied I, catching my breath with joy; "but--still--I
think she must go on shore."

"All depends upon whether she can get a little bit of sail up to weather
the point," replied Swinburne; "and depend upon it, Captain O'Brien
knows that as well as we do."

We were now joined by the other men who were saved. We all shook hands.
They pointed out to me the bodies of our shipmates who had perished. I
directed them to haul them further up, and put them altogether; and
continued, with Swinburne, to watch the brig. In about half-an-hour we
perceived a triangle raised; and in ten minutes afterwards, a jury-mast
abaft--a try-sail was hoisted and set. Then the shears were seen
forward, and in as short a time another try-sail and a storm jib were
expanded to the wind.

"That's all he can do now, Mr Simple," observed Swinburne; "he must
trust to them and to Providence. They are not more than a mile from the
beach--it will be touch and go."

Anxiously did we watch for more than half-an-hour; the other men
returned to us, and joined in our speculations. At one time we thought
it impossible--at another we were certain that she would weather the
point. At last, as she neared it, she forged a-head: my anxiety became
almost insupportable. I stood first on one leg, and then on the other,
breathless with suspense. She appeared to be on the point--actually
touching the rocks--"God! she's struck!" said I.

"No!" replied Swinburne;--and then we saw her pass on the other side of
the outermost rock, and disappear.

"Safe, Mr Simple!--weathered, by God!" cried Swinburne, waving his hat
with joy.

"God be thanked!" replied I, overcome with delight.

CHAPTER FORTY EIGHT.

THE DEVASTATIONS OF THE HURRICANE--PETER MAKES FRIENDS--AT DESTROYING OR
SAVING, NOTHING LIKE BRITISH SEAMEN--PETER MEETS WITH GENERAL O'BRIEN
MUCH TO HIS SATISFACTION--HAS ANOTHER MEETING STILL MORE SO--A GREAT
DEAL OF PRESSING OF HANDS, "AND ALL THAT," AS POPE SAYS.

Now that the brig was safe, we thought of ourselves. My first attention
was directed to the dead bodies; and as I looked at their mangled limbs,
I felt grateful to Heaven that I had been so miraculously spared. We
then cast our eyes along the beach to see if we could trace any remnants
of the other boats; but in vain. We were about three miles fro