e still alive, and are able to serve
Him in the way He desires!"

"What did it feel like when you were drowning?" asked Oliver; "I've
heard say that the sensation is very pleasant."

"I can't say that I found it so, and I doubt if anybody else does. All
I remember is that I felt in a horrible fright, and that the water came
rushing into my mouth much faster than I liked. I had a terrible pain
in one of my legs, which prevented me from swimming a stroke; then I
heard a loud roaring noise, while all seemed confusion, except that I
felt a most disagreeable choking sensation. I really do not know what
else happened; but I would advise you not to follow my example if you
can help it."

"But I say, Jack, how did you manage to tumble into the water?" inquired
Oliver.

"That's a puzzle to me," answered Jack. "I believe that I had jumped up
on the taffrail when the vessel gave a kick, and over I went. I must
have sunk, I think, before I knew where I was; and when I came to the
surface I instinctively struck out towards the Lively, for I could not
see the schooner, as my eyes happened to be turned away from her. I
should have been alongside you in a few minutes, had not that dreadful
cramp come on. Beyond that I really don't know much more."

After Jack had had his breakfast he declared that he was well enough to
go on shore; but the rain coming down in torrents we remained on board
the Dolphin, and amused ourselves by forming plans for the next day,
should it clear up. I should have said that we had brought-up among an
enormous number of coasters and small trading vessels, as Catwater is
the mercantile harbour of Plymouth; while yachts generally betake
themselves to Hamoaze, at the mouth of the Tamar, on the west side of
Devonport.

All day long the rain continued; but I got on board the cutter, and
spent some time in writing up my journal. It was very provoking to be
kept prisoners; but such is often the fate of yachtsmen. We might, to
be sure, have gone on shore in our waterproofs and south-westers; but we
agreed that there would be no fun in paddling about a strange place
after the fashion of young ducks; so summoning all the patience we could
muster, we made ourselves as happy as we could on board. We had reason
to be thankful that we had got into a snug harbour. Vessels were
continually arriving with spars carried away and otherwise damaged, and
during the night it blew a perfect hurricane.

Before the