e terrible thoughts this strange and gloomy place had impressed
upon him. There was no hope for him now; he felt that he should never
enjoy those scenes again. But what was that to the anguish of his poor
old parents, who would linger on week after week, month after month, and
year after year, wondering and waiting in vain for some news of him, and
dying of hope deferred.

While he was thus musing a pale, aurora-like light broke in the
distance, directly ahead of the ship. Now it opened gently, now shut
again. Again it glimmered and gradually expanded until the whole cavern
became aglow with light, and presented a scene of such enchanting beauty
that all on board were spell-bound with admiration. Massive columns,
grand and impressive, rose on every side to the very roof, and reflected
all the colors of the rainbow. And through them the gallant old ship
continued to sail, like a phantom.

This bright, bewitching scene continued for about fifteen minutes, when
the light gradually died away, and all became dark and solemn. Then
deep, plunging sounds of falling water indicated with startling effect
that the ship was approaching a mighty cataract, down which she must
soon plunge to her destruction. These sounds, made more terrible by the
darkness, were like death-knells, calling the men to prepare to meet
their doom.

And while all on board were contemplating these sounds, the ship
suddenly careened a-starboard, a harsh, grating noise was heard
overhead, and quantities of broken crystallites began falling on deck.
This was followed by a crashing sound, and the ship righted. The
topmasts had fouled, and one after another were carried away and now
hung, a dangerous wreck. Then her gib-boom came in contact with one of
the columns, and met the same fate. The ship now swung round and struck
with a violent shock on a sunken rock, and almost simultaneously her
mainmast went by the board, she began to fill and settle down, and soon
became a forlorn wreck. A short consultation was held between the
officers and men as to what was best to be done. There was, however, no
alternative but to take to the boats, and make the best effort possible
to save life. There was no time to lose. Five boats were quickly
launched, and manned, and supplied with such provisions and water as
could be procured in the hurry of the moment. An officer took command of
each boat, and Tite managed to secure six of the best oarsmen on board.
There was no excit