re
swept away, and dashed almost senseless against the bulwarks--the
binnacle and compass were broken into fragments--no one ran to the
helm--the vessel broached to--the seas broke clear over her, and the
mainmast went by the board.

All was confusion. Captain Kloots was stunned, and it was with
difficulty that Philip could persuade two of the men to assist him down
below. Hillebrant had been more unfortunate--his right arm was broken,
and he was otherwise severely bruised; Philip assisted him to his berth,
and then went on deck again to try and restore order.

Philip Vanderdecken was not yet much of a seaman, but, at all events, he
exercised that moral influence over the men which is ever possessed by
resolution and courage. Obey willingly they did not, but they did obey,
and in half an hour the vessel was clear of the wreck. Eased by the
loss of her heavy mast, and steered by two of her best seamen, she again
flew before the gale.

Where was Mynheer Von Stroom during all this work of destruction? In
his bed-place, covered up with the clothes, trembling in every limb, and
vowing that it ever again he put his foot on shore, not all the
companies in the world should induce him to trust to salt-water again.
It certainly was the best plan for the poor man.

But although for a time the men obeyed the orders of Philip, they were
soon seen talking earnestly with the one-eyed pilot, and after a
consultation of a quarter of an hour, they all left the deck, with the
exception of the two at the helm. Their reasons for so doing were soon
apparent--several returned with cans full of liquor, which they had
obtained by forcing the hatches of the spirit-room. For about an hour
Philip remained on deck, persuading the men not to intoxicate
themselves, but in vain; the cans of grog offered to the men at the
wheel were not refused, and, in a short time, the yawing of the vessel
proved that the liquor had taken its effect. Philip then hastened down
below to ascertain if Mynheer Kloots was sufficiently recovered to come
on deck. He found him sunk into a deep sleep, and with difficulty it
was that he roused him, and made him acquainted with the distressing
intelligence. Mynheer Kloots followed Philip on deck; but he still
suffered from his fail: his head was confused, and he reeled as he
walked, as if he also had been making free with the liquor. When he had
been on deck a few minutes, he sank down on one of the guns in a stat