cargo over the side. Bale
after bale and box after box were tossed ruthlessly out upon the raging
sea until little was left in the ship, save the bulky and less valuable
portion of the cargo. Then a cry arose that the leak was discovered!
The carpenter had succeeded in partially stopping it with part of a
sail, and soon the pumps began to reduce the quantity of water in the
hold. At last the leak was gained and effectually stopped, and before
daybreak the storm began to subside. While part of the crew, being
relieved from the harassing work at the pumps, busied themselves in
repairing damages, Ned went to his cabin to put on dry clothes and take
a little rest, of which he stood much in need.

Next day the bright sun rose in a cloudless sky, and a gentle breeze now
wafted the _Roving Bess_ over the Pacific, whose bosom still heaved
deeply from the effects of the recent storm. A sense of fervent
thankfulness to God for deliverance filled the heart of our hero as he
awoke and beheld the warm sunbeams streaming in at the little window of
his cabin. Suddenly he was roused from a deep reverie by the shout of
"Land, ho!" on deck.

Words cannot convey an adequate idea of the effect of such a shout upon
all on board. "Land, ho!" was repeated by every one, as he sprang in
dishabille up the hatchway.

"Where away?" inquired Captain Bunting.

"Right ahead, sir," answered the look-out.

"Ay, there it is," said the captain, as Ned, without coat or vest,
rushed to his side, and gazed eagerly over the bow, "there it is, Ned,--
California, at last! Yonder rise the golden mountains that have so
suddenly become the world's magnet; and yonder, too, is the `Golden
Gate' of the harbour of San Francisco. Humph! much good it'll do us."

Again there was a slight tone of bitterness in the captain's voice.

"Don't let down your spirits, captain," said Ned, in a cheering tone;
"there is still enough of the cargo left to enable us to make a start
for the gold-fields. Perhaps we may make more money there than we would
have made had we sold the cargo at a large profit by trafficking on the
coast."

Captain Bunting hooked his thumbs into the armholes of his waistcoat,
and shook his head. It was evident that he had no faith in
gold-digging. Meanwhile the crew had assembled on the forecastle, and
were looking out ahead with wistful and excited glances; for the fame of
the golden land to which they were approaching had spread far and