off their clothes
that night, but all gathered in the cabins, finding what cheer and
comfort they could in one another's company.

In the main cabin were other officers besides Major Maunsell--namely,
Captain Sterling of the Fusiliers, Lieutenant Mercer of the Royal
Artillery, and Lieutenants Sutton, Roebuck, and Moore of the 16th Light
Dragoons; while in the fore-cabin were household servants of the prince
and soldiers of the line, bringing the total number of passengers up to
two hundred.

During the night Captain Reefwell, seeing that it was no longer any use
to conceal the seriousness of the situation, sent word to all on board
to prepare for the worst, as the ship might be among the breakers at
any moment. The poor passengers hastened to gather their most precious
possessions into little bundles, and to prepare themselves for the
approaching struggle with death.

The night wore slowly on, the sturdy brig straining and groaning as the
billows made a plaything of her, tossing her to and fro as though she
was no heavier than a chip, while the fierce storm shrieked through the
rigging in apparent glee at having so rich a prize for the wreckers of
Sable Island.

It was a brave band that awaited its fate in the main cabin. The men
were borne up by the dauntless fortitude of the British soldier, and,
catching their spirit, Eric manifested a quiet courage well worthy of
the name he bore. He had Prince with him now, for the captain had
himself suggested that he had better have the dog near at hand. The
noble creature seemed to have some glimmering of their common peril,
for he kept very close to his young master, and every now and then laid
his huge head upon Eric's knee and looked up into his face with an
expression that said as plainly as words,--

"Nothing but death can ever part us. You can depend upon me to the
very uttermost."

And hugging him fondly, Eric answered,--

"Dear old Prince! You'll help me if we are wrecked, won't you?" at
which Prince wagged his tail responsively, and did his best to lick his
master's face.

Now and then some one would creep up on deck, and brave the fury of the
blast for a few moments, in hope of finding some sign of change for the
better; and on his return to the cabin the others would eagerly scan
his countenance and await his words, only to be met with a sorrowful
shake of the head that rendered words unnecessary.

Eric alone found temporary forgetfulness in sleep.