ight lookout was kept on board the
"Vigilant" that night; a man on each cat-head, two in the waist--one on
the weather and one on the lee side--and our two selves aft were kept
constantly on the alert; and with these precautions I was obliged to
rest satisfied. As it happened, our elaborate precautions proved
unnecessary, for not a single sail passed us during the night; and at
four o'clock next morning, when the watch was relieved, I went below and
turned in, as the sky appeared to be lightening up a trifle, and I knew
that it would be daylight in a short time.

When I went on deck again at seven bells (7:30 a.m.) things looked
pretty much as I had left them, excepting that the sea had continued to
get up and was now running higher than I had ever seen it before. Our
little craft was tossed about on its angry surface lightly as a withered
leaf; now rising up as though about to take flight into the midst of the
rushing storm-wrack overhead, and anon plunging down the steep sides of
the watery hills as though intent on reaching the very ocean's bed
itself. It was very exciting, as well, it must be confessed, as
somewhat trying to the nerves, to stand on the deck and watch the
approach of the mountainous seas, rushing with threatening upreared
crest upon the little craft, as though determined to engulf her. But,
by watchful attention to the helm, her bows always met them at a safe
angle, and away they would sweep past us, harmless, but hissing and
seething in impotent fury.

According to custom, Tom Hardy had charge of the deck while Smellie and
I were below at breakfast. On our returning to the deck at the
conclusion of the meal, he joined us to remark that he was under the
impression he had once or twice heard the sound of firing to windward.

"Surely not," said little Smellie; "you must be mistaken, Mr Hardy,"
(we always _Mistered_ Tom, to his intense gratification, now that he had
charge of a watch). "What ships could possibly fight in this weather?"

"Depends on the course they happen to be steering, sir," responded Tom.
"It's poorish weather for a fight, I'll allow; but if one ship happens
to be chasing t'other, and they'm both running before it, both bow and
stern-chasers might be worked, heavy as the sea is. Besides, it looks a
deal worse to us, afloat here in this cock-boat, than 'twould if we was
aboard the old `Juno,' for instance; and a'ter all--hark! didn't you
hear anything just then, gentlemen?"