n revived them. We had only just light
enough to see our way into the harbour, but we hoped in the morning to
get on shore and to cut some grass, which would do them more good than
the fresh air.

I should have said that directly we were in smooth water my wife and
daughters came on deck, and, as they gazed on the sheltering shore under
which we were running, they lifted up their hands in earnest
thankfulness to that merciful God who had brought us into a haven of
rest.

On sounding the well, we found that, notwithstanding all the tossing we
had gone through, the stout little craft had not made a drop of water.
We spent two very busy days in Refuge harbour, cutting grass and wood,
and filling up our water casks. All this time no natives were seen.
There are indeed but few on that part of the coast. Short-sighted
mortals that we are--we had been inclined to complain of our detention,
but we had reason to be thankful that we had gone into Refuge harbour.

As soon as we had filled up with wood and water, we got under weigh, and
stood out through the eastern end of the sound. Before, however, we had
got from under the shelter of the island--a long, low sandy point
intervening between us and the ocean--we saw to the southward a dark
bank of clouds coming, like an army in close rank, rapidly up towards
us.

The breeze was light, and the sea comparatively calm, but underneath the
cloud there came a line of white foam, beyond which the whole ocean
seemed a mass of tossing seas. I knew what to expect, and, going about,
stood back to our snug little bay. Scarcely had we dropped our anchor
and furled sails than the hurricane burst above the island, and we could
see the breakers dashing furiously on the opposite shore. For nearly
three days the tempest--one of the most violent ever known on that
coast--continued raging. Many a big ship went down, and many a stout
one was cast upon the rooks and dashed to pieces.

We waited--grateful for our escape--till the wind moderated and the sea
went down, and then once again sailed for our final destination. In our
small vessel we had to economise fresh water, fodder for the animals,
and fuel; and it was very important that we should have a quick passage.
We had, therefore, again filled up with those necessary articles, and
in every corner we had stowed away all the fresh grass we could cut.
This, mixed with the hay, kept the sheep in excellent condition. We had
ere long to be