ch later
period. Indeed, considering that they had so little knowledge of
navigation and the variation of the compass, and that their easting and
westing could only be computed by dead reckoning, it is wonderful how
our ancestors traversed the ocean in the way they did, with
comparatively so few accidents.

"We are full three degrees to the northward of the Cape," observed
Mynheer Kloots, after he had computed his latitude. "The currents must
be running strong; the wind is going down fast, and we shall have a
change, if I mistake not."

Towards the evening it fell calm, with a heavy swell setting towards the
shore; shoals of seals appeared on the surface, following the vessel as
she drove before the swell; the fish darted and leaped in every
direction, and the ocean around them appeared to be full of life as the
sun slowly descended to the horizon.

"What is that noise we hear?" observed Philip; "it sounds like distant
thunder."

"I hear it," replied Mynheer Kloots. "Aloft there, do you see the
land?"

"Yes," replied the man after a pause in ascending the topmast shrouds.
"It is right ahead--low sand-hills, and the sea breaking high."

"Then that must be the noise we hear. We sweep in fast with this heavy
ground-swell. I wish the breeze would spring up."

The sun was dipping under the horizon, and the calm still continued: the
swell had driven the Ter Schilling so rapidly on the shore that now they
could see the breakers which fell over with the noise of thunder.

"Do you know the coast, pilot?" observed the captain to Schriften, who
stood by.

"Know it well," replied Schriften; "the sea breaks in twelve fathoms at
least. In half an hour the good ship will be beaten into toothpicks,
without a breeze to help us." And the little man giggled as if pleased
at the idea.

The anxiety of Mynheer Kloots was not to be concealed; his pipe was
every moment in and out of his mouth. The crew remained in groups on
the forecastle and gangway, listening with dismay to the fearful roaring
of the breakers. The sun had sunk down below the horizon, and the gloom
of night was gradually adding to the alarm of the crew of the Ter
Schilling.

"We must lower down the boats," said Mynheer Kloots to the first mate,
"and try to tow her off. We cannot do much good, I'm afraid; but at all
events the boats will be ready for the men to get into before she drives
on shore. Get the tow ropes out and lower down the boats, while