were visible along it, flashing up with luminous crests that left
no doubt of their character, or of the dangers that they so plainly
denoted. At times, columns of water shot up into the air like enormous
jets, and the spray was carried inland for miles. Then it was that gloom
gathered around the brows of the seamen, who fully comprehended the nature
of the danger that was so plainly indicated. The green hands were the
least concerned, "knowing nothing and fearing nothing," as the older
seamen are apt to express their sense of this indifference on the part of
the boys and landsmen.

According to the calculations of those on board the Sea Lion, of Oyster
Pond, they had about two miles of drift before they should be in the
breakers. They were on the best tack, to all appearances, and that was the
old one, or the same leg that had carried them into the bight. To ware
now, indeed, would be a very hazardous step, since every inch of room was
of importance. Gardiner's secret hope was that they might find the inlet
that led into Currituck, which was then open, though we believe it has
since been closed, in whole or in part, by the sands. This often happens
on the American coast, very tolerable passages existing this year for
vessels of an easy draught, that shall be absolutely shut up, and be
converted into visible beach, a few years later. The waters within will
then gain head, and break out, cutting themselves a channel, that remains
open until a succession of gales drives in the sands upon them from the
outside once more.

Gardiner well knew he was on the most dangerous part of the whole American
coast, in one sense, at least. The capacious sounds that spread themselves
within the long beaches of sand were almost as difficult of navigation as
any shoals to the northward; yet would he gladly have been in one in
preference to clawing off breakers on their outside. As between the two
schooners, the Vineyard-men had rather the best of it, being near a
cable's length to windward, and so much further removed from destruction.
The difference, however, was of no great account in the event of the gale
continuing, escape being utterly impossible for either in that case. So
critical was the situation of both craft becoming, indeed, that neither
could now afford to yield a single fathom of the ground she held.

All eyes were soon looking for the inlet, it having been determined to
keep the Sea Lion, of Oyster Pond, away for it, should