be
able to work them, even if we can find powder and shot," said David.

"Oh, there is a store of both on board, depend on it, and if we put on a
bold face, we may drive off an enemy, provided he is not a very big
one," answered the midshipman.

Some time was occupied in these discussions. They then went on deck and
looked about them. Though a long slow swell swept as it were
occasionally across the ocean, the surface was otherwise perfectly
smooth; indeed, there was not a breath of air to disturb it, but a thick
mist hung over the sea, which prevented any objects from being seen even
at a short distance off. This was as likely to prove advantageous to
them as the contrary; and so, having taken a short walk on dock, they
went below, said their prayers, found that the old man was asleep,
turned in and followed his example. Harry knew perfectly well that,
according to strict discipline, a watch ought to have been kept, but he
and David agreed that, as there was a calm, they could not be run down,
and that the wreck was not likely to drift far from where they then
were, while it was clearly far pleasanter to be asleep than walking the
deck. Hitherto they had not had time to examine the hold or the fore
part of the vessel. This, however, they purposed doing in the morning.
Happy time of youth! They slept very soundly and comfortably, looking
forward with confidence to the future, and little dreaming what was to
happen. When people have been deprived of their night's rest, they
frequently sleep a very long time on a stretch. Harry was awaked by
David, who exclaimed--

"Dear me! the ship is tumbling about fearfully; the gale must have
sprung up again."

He then heard old Jefferies say, in a weak voice, "What, lads, are you
there? I was afraid that you had deserted the old man."

"No, no, we would not do that," answered David. "But I am afraid that
the ship must be shaken to pieces if this continues."

"If she has floated through one gale she may float through another. We
must trust in God," said the old man. "Ah me! I am very feeble. If we
couldn't put our faith in Him, we should be badly off indeed. I cannot
help myself, much less you."

Harry was by this time fully awake, and called David to follow him on
deck, to ascertain what was the matter. When David got there, he wished
himself below again. The gale had returned with tenfold fury, and the
helpless ship was driving before it, surrounded by hig