ishmen and the Lascars. I, having
been on shore several times, agreed also to remain to assist Mr Tarbox.
The weather had for some time been threatening, but the clouds had
passed away, and the sky again become serene. That evening the same
appearances occurred. I should say that at Ternate a number of people
of different nations are collected together. The most numerous,
probably, are the Chinese, and their curious little boats are seen
skimming about in all directions. There are traders from all parts of
the East, so that the harbour at times presents a very animated
appearance. I was on deck with Mr Tarbox, when looking out we saw a
thick mass of clouds come rolling up suddenly on every side of the
mountains.

"I wish Mr Thudicumb and the mate were on board," he said to me; "I
don't like the look of things. We must veer away more cable and get
another anchor over the bows. See, the Chinamen begin to think there is
something in it."

As he spoke, a number of Chinese and other boats were seen pulling in
for the land; before, however, they could reach it, a loud roaring sound
was heard, and in an instant the whole ocean seemed torn up by some
mighty power, and a fierce blast broke down upon us. The vessels in the
harbour were seen endeavouring to secure themselves as well as they
could; but in a few minutes numbers were driven together, grinding and
striking against each other, while they were sent by the fury of the sea
towards the shore. The boats, tossed like cockle-shells, appeared every
instant as if about to be overwhelmed by the ocean; many were capsized
close to us, but we could render no assistance. Every instant the sea
rose higher and higher, till we could scarcely see the shore beyond it.
The ship, however, held well to her anchors. It was fortunate for us we
had no top gear aloft, or the case might have been different.

"I only hope Mr Thudicumb and the rest are safe on shore," I observed
to Dick Tarbox.

"They will not attempt to come off while this gale is blowing."

In a short time, a fearful havoc was made with the various craft in the
harbour. Around us wrecks strewed the sea in every direction; here and
there poor fellows swimming for their lives, some holding on to pieces
of planks and spars. Many sank before our eyes. Boat after boat was
upset. Some, however, rode over the seas in gallant style, the men on
board pulling bravely. The fury of the gale increased. We veered out
m