e other
passengers having gone to their cabins, for the sea was somewhat high,
and the wind had increased. Dark clouds also were rising in the
north-west, and driving rapidly across the sky.

"I do not altogether like the look of the weather," observed the
captain. "I see Captain Smith is shortening sail; we must do the same:"
and he forthwith summoned the crew to perform that operation.

Scarcely were the men off the yards, when the wind, as if suddenly let
loose, struck the ship with terrific fury, throwing her on her beam
ends. Many of the passengers cried out for fear, thinking that she was
going down. Among those who exhibited the greatest terror was Jonas
Ford, who wrung his hands, bitterly repenting that he had ever come to
sea. The captain issued his orders in a clear voice, which the crew
readily obeyed, Wenlock giving his assistance.

"Cut away the mizen mast," cried the captain.

A glittering axe soon descended on the stout mast, while the active crew
cleared the shrouds and all the other ropes, the mast falling clear of
the ship into the foaming ocean. Still she lay helpless in the trough
of the sea.

"The mainmast must go," cried the captain.

That too was cut away. The ship instantly felt the relief, and now
rising to an even keel, she flew before the furious gale. Those on
board had been so taken up with their own dangerous condition, that no
one thought of looking out for their consort.

When, however, the most imminent danger was over, Wenlock cast his eye
in the direction in which she had last been seen. In vain he looked out
on either side; no sail was visible. Others also now began to make
inquiries for the _John Sarah_. Many had friends on board. Too
probably, struck by the furious blast, she had gone down. Sad were the
forebodings of all as to her fate. Such might have been theirs. Human
nature is sadly selfish, and many were rather inclined to congratulate
themselves on their escape, than to mourn for the supposed fate of their
countrymen.

On, on flew the _Amity_ towards the south, far away from the Delaware,
from the land to which she was bound. The dark foam-crested seas rose
up on every side, hissing and roaring, and threatening to overwhelm her.
Still the brave captain kept up his courage, and endeavoured to keep up
that of those on board.

"We must get jury-masts up," he said, "when the storm abates; and plying
to the north, endeavour to regain the ground we have l