in the capacity of the man for the performance
of his duties as a seaman. This anxiety was grounded on various symptoms
sufficiently striking to attract the notice even of a landsman; and more
particularly on a scene, during which his presence of mind, if mind he
possessed, totally deserted him.

We had passed several days off the Balearic Islands--or rather on and
off--for each morning we issued from behind Ivica, and returned at night
to take shelter under its cliffs; ours being the only vessel of several
performing the same passage restrained by fear from attempting any
progress during these nights. The reason of this we learned
subsequently. At length, when we did risk an advance, we chose the worst
moment of all: the breeze becoming a gale, and almost a head-wind, from
having been less unfavourable. Whatever may now have been our anxiety,
we could easily discover that the author of our misfortune was a prey to
more terror than ourselves.

Against this wind we proceeded, gaining about a hundred yards an hour,
during five days; at the end of which it changed slightly, and allowed
us to reach the entrance of the channel; that is, we had doubled the
Cape de Gata, and were off the south coast of the peninsula, nearly
opposite Almeria, and in the direct line of all the vessels entering the
Mediterranean; which, as they are sometimes delayed in expectation of a
favourable wind for passing the Straits of Gibraltar, were now bearing
down in great numbers. At this crisis the gale, which had all along
continued to be violent, became once more almost directly adverse, and
increased in fury.

Our gallant captain's features always assumed towards evening a more
serious expression. A faint tinge of green was observed to replace the
yellow of his usual complexion, and he passed the nights on deck, as
unapproachable as a hyena--by the way, also a most cowardly animal. At
length one day as evening approached, the wind was almost doing its
worst, and we went to bed tossed about as if in a walnut-shell--lulled
by an incessant roaring, as it were, of parks of Perkin's artillery.

It being essential to keep a good look-out, and to show a light
occasionally, in order to avoid being run down--the lantern--unable to
live on deck, from the water as well as the wind, which passed through
the rigging--was confided to the passengers, with a recommendation, by
no means likely to be neglected, to keep it in good trim, and to hand
it up with