en sinking and being kept afloat was very narrow. A little
more straining, or an ugly sea breaking on to a weak spot would quickly
seal their fate. They knew all this, but scorned the thought of
bringing on themselves the charge of cowardice. It soon became apparent
that the little craft of only 280 tons dead-weight would have to be put
before the wind if she was to be saved. The crew had to stand up in
water to their waists nearly all the time they were pumping, and
sometimes they were knocked down by the seas that came aboard. They
could stand it no longer, so a conference was held. The captain said:
"Well, my lads, there are two courses open to us: sink or run for it.
She has two bold ends and will scud for ever. The only thing is we will
be running out of the track of ships into the northern regions where
the cold will be intense, and there will be but little daylight.
Besides, our provisions may run short. Now I have put the position to
you both ways: I am willing to do what you decide."

"Then we decide to run," said the men, "and trust to Providence for the
rest."

The helm was put hard up, the main and foreyards laid square, and she
commenced to scud dead before the wind towards the mystery of the
north. For the first four hours it was doubtful whether the jolly boat,
which was in davits across the stern, would last long. Each diabolic
lump of water that came galloping along threatened not only the boat
but the vessel with sudden destruction. It was very thrilling to
witness the tiny brig flying before the ecstasy of the hurricane and
fluttering away like a seabird from the mountains that towered far
above and were only permitted to kiss her stern with their spray. The
crew were forbidden to look behind while at the helm lest their nerves
should be affected and cause erratic steering. There was really more
danger in this than in any lack of seakindliness on the part of the
vessel. Each time she ran away from a treacherous-looking breaker, the
captain would pat the topgallant bulwarks and speak words of touching
tenderness as though he was communing with a little child. The further
they ran north, the bigger the seas became. One of them came prancing
along, tossed up the stern so that part of the jibboom was put under
and her attitude became uncommonly like running head first under the
sea. Another quickly followed, and the poor captain's faith was
momentarily shaken. He called out "My God, this is awful!" and