Saviour, all-powerful to save
you from temporal death as from death eternal."

Thus the faithful minister continued speaking, till all who heard him
felt their faith and courage revive, and no longer did any give way to
expressions of fear. Still the danger continued to increase. In vain
the captain endeavoured to pierce the thick gloom. No land could he
discern; no beacon-fire burst forth to show of a friendly harbour. Lady
Anne remained below, and thither Master Gresham conveyed little Richard.

"Should there be danger of the vessel striking, I will come for you," he
said: "wife, I will save you or perish with you. Ernst, to your charge
we commend our boy; you are a brave swimmer, and may be able to rescue
him."

"Oh! my dear lord, do rather try and save our boy; leave me to my fate,
if the fearful danger you speak of arrives!" exclaimed Lady Anne.

To this Master Gresham would not consent.

"No," he said, "I cannot let you, my wife, perish; and our boy is as
safe in the keeping of Ernst as he would be in mine. I know that he
will save the boy, or lose his own life in the attempt."

Ernst felt very proud on hearing these remarks, and gladly promised to
watch over his friend Richard.

Onward rushed the vessel. At length it seemed to those who stood on
deck that the wind did not blow so furiously as before. A short time
passed, and it became evident that the gale was abating. Still, those
who were acquainted with the dangers of the sea knew full well that,
should the vessel be cast on the beach, how great would be the peril of
their lives. The hardy seamen were at their posts. The captain ordered
all to keep silence. One of the mates went forward, looking out for the
land. The captain stood near the helmsman. In a clear voice he issued
his orders. The sea as well as the wind had decreased. Now the sails
were taken in one by one.

"Stand by with the anchor," cried the captain. "Let go!"

A plunge was heard, and the hempen cable flew quickly out. The vessel
rode head to wind with her stern to the shore, not perceived by any but
the seamen, so hardly could a landsman's eye pierce the thick gloom
around. Still she plunged heavily into the seas which rolled towards
it. Now and then the captain shouted to his mates--"Does she hold?"

The answer was satisfactory. Yet it seemed scarcely possible that iron
anchor and hempen cable could prevent a ship forced by those furious
billows from driving o