forecastle; but it was a long distance yet, and the
widow and her daughter found time for much study and reading, for which
they were amply supplied, and thus the time was lightened in its
progress and also well improved.

But the ocean is a treacherous element, and the fair weather which had
so long characterized their voyage, was to be varied now by fierce and
angry gales. It was the season of the year when they might expect this,
and the captain had kept a sharp lookout. It was the middle of a fine
afternoon that there was observed a singular phenomenon in the wind
which appeared to come from half a dozen points at the same moment. The
ship of course lost her steerage way, and the sea began most singularly
to get up from all points in heavy cross waves. It was evident that they
were either in the course of a whirlwind or close to its track, and
every now and then gusts came first larboard then starboard, and again
bows on and stern on, with a force that snapped the rigging like pipe
stems, and tore the canvass from the bolt ropes, notwithstanding the
prompt orders and nimble efforts of the seamen, before it could be
secured. Half an hour of this strange weather nearly stripped the ship
of her standing rigging, leaving her comparatively a helpless wreck upon
the waters, a mere log at the mercy of the wind and waves.

The worst had not yet come, however, for the ship was sound still in her
hull, and save that she was now wallowing in the trough of the sea, she
was comparatively safe; she had sprung no leak, but her heavy freight
tested her powers fearfully, and the captain was fain to acknowledge
that there was nought to be done but abide the raging of the storm until
it was over. His attempt to rig a jury mast, on which to bend sail
enough to give the ship steerage way, was perfectly fruitless; she
rolled and pitched so fearfully that no effort of the kind could
succeed, but the crew were kept busy throwing over the heavier at tiles
of freight to case the ship.

As right came on with its intense darkness relieved only by now and then
a terrible flash of liquid fire, all on board expected each moment might
be their last. Prayers were said, and all tried to compose their minds
as far as possible to meet that death which seemed to be fast
approaching them, when suddenly the cry ran, fore and aft that the
captain was lost overboard! This added to the general gloom; and now a
cry was heard "there goes the Flying Dutchma