o had been lost overboard. Should the
death-rate continue there would be few left on board when the vessel
arrived at Jamaica, even should the fair wind and fine weather continue.
The first mate did not appear to be much of a navigator, and on the
fever attacking the crew as well as the passengers, he lost all heart.
Stephen did his best to doctor him, but before long he also succumbed,
and the _Surge_ was left with a very limited crew.

Captain Hawkins was a stout-hearted man, and kept up his courage. He
asked Stephen to select some of the passengers to assist him in working
the ship. It was Stephen's afternoon watch, when he saw heavy clouds
gathering in the west. They came on rapidly, while the sea below them
was broken up into a mass of foam. He immediately sent and summoned the
Captain, and ordered sail to be shortened. Short-handed as the _Surge_
was through the loss of so many of her crew, this was done but slowly.
The Captain, who had quickly come on deck, and Stephen exerted
themselves to the utmost, while they tried to obtain the assistance of
some of the passengers; but those not labouring at the pumps were unable
to be of much use. Before all the canvas could be reduced the hurricane
struck her abeam. Had she been under her usual sail she would have been
sent completely over and have foundered. As it was, she heeled before
the blast. The next instant two loud crashes came; she rose on an even
keel, but her masts were gone. The Captain and Stephen summoned all
hands to clear away the wreck before the butt-ends of the masts should
stave in the vessel with the tremendous thumps they were giving against
the side. Axes were found, shrouds and other ropes which held fast the
masts were speedily cut. Still the hapless vessel lay in the trough of
the sea, the waves dashing against her sides, and threatening to sweep
everything overboard. The great object now was to get a sail rigged on
the stump of the foremast and put her before the wind. When the masts
fell several people had been injured, the Captain among them. At first
he made light of it. Now that he wished to exert himself more than
ever, he was unable to do so. He called for a chair, and sat aft,
giving his directions. Stephen had to take everything upon himself.
The men obeyed him willingly. While he and the party were working
forward, the sea came rolling up and struck the vessel amidships. They
held on for their lives. The sea washed