ef, and the old, long-neglected wheel had to be brought into use. It
had not been used for years, and though constantly cleaned and kept in
order, the salt water had been washing over it now for hours, and it was
very hard to turn. The question now was, should they remain in the open
sea, or venture into the harbour?

A discussion on the subject was taking place between the captain and the
first mate. The steering-gear did not seem to do its work properly, and
the captain anxiously kept his eyes fixed on the horizon, as they were
drawn irresistibly nearer and nearer to the harbour. "It is the
men-of-war I dread coming near," the captain was saying to his mates;
"those deadly rams are a terror in this weather."

[Sidenote: A Critical Moment]

It was a critical moment. Darkness was coming down, the rain became more
violent, the wind cold and cutting, with now and then fierce showers of
hail.

On, on they were being driven; nothing could keep them back. The captain
shouted orders, the men did their best, but the wheel did not work
properly. Captain Wylie as he stood near, holding on while the waves
dashed over him, saw the lights twinkling in the town, and felt that the
cup of happiness so near might now at any moment be dashed from his
lips.

The danger was clear to all, nearer and nearer they drew. "Out with the
life-belts!" shouted the captain; "lower the boats!"

There was no time to be lost, faster and faster they were being driven
into the harbour.

Captain Wylie rushed downstairs; and here confusion and terror reigned,
for bad news travels fast, and a panic had seized the poor fellows who
were still weak from recent illness. They were dragging themselves out
of their berths.

"Get her ready, here are two belts," he cried, and, throwing them to Mr.
Cameron, he hurried to the assistance of the invalids. All were soon
provided with belts. A wonderful calm succeeded to the confusion, and
great self-control was exercised.

"Courage!" cried the young soldier; "remember we are close to shore. If
you can keep your heads above water you will speedily be rescued." The
one frail woman was as calm as any.

It came at last! A crash, a gurgling sound of rushing water, a ripping,
rasping noise.

"Up on deck," shouted Captain Wylie, as seizing the one helpless invalid
in his arms, he hastened on deck. An awful scene met the eye. What the
ship's captain feared had indeed come true!

The boats were soon freighted and