uction. If we
can only avoid those coral reefs we shall be safe.--Oh, that I was ever
fool enough to listen to Redfox and steer for those accursed islands."
These last words the Captain muttered under his breath, as he realized
how quickly God's punishment was overtaking him.

"To the south, Captain, so long as mast and sails remain and the good
ship yields to the rudder; but do let Green come and take my place. I
am not capable of steering in such a storm as this."

The Captain left Gray and went immediately to the room where the
helmsman was chained. The thrashing of the vessel, and the noise of
the waves dashing over its decks told that a frightful storm was
raging, and of the dangers of the coral reefs he knew only too well.
Consequently he said when the Captain came in, "It is no time now to
talk of grievances and discipline, you need my help. I give you my
word that when the ship is saved, if saved it can be, I will put on my
chains again."

"I hope it will not be necessary. You will see that there is some
misunderstanding.--What was that awful crash? Death is upon us," cried
the Captain, interrupting himself.

"One of the masts has broken and gone over board!" cried Green. "Come
quickly or we'll go to the bottom. Bring the two boys into the cabin
and let them pray. If God will not spare these two innocent children
there is no hope for the rest of us. We can only repent and prepare
for the end."

A moment later Green was on deck. The mizzen-mast had broken off, but
still hung to the side of the vessel with all its tackling.

"Cut the ropes and clear the ship; then try one of the jib-sails,
otherwise there will be no such thing as steering," he said.

The sailors obeyed quickly. They were approaching nearer and nearer to
the reefs, over which the breakers washed with a thundering noise.

"If only the jib-sail will stand the pressure on it, perhaps we can
avoid the reefs. I reckon they are not a half mile away; the ship
yields a little," said Green.

The Captain again came on board, but avoided the helmsman. To Gray he
said, "Put out the flying-jib so as to be prepared in case the jib does
not hold, and get ready to cast the anchor." The sailors took their
places at the capstan and made ready to lower the anchor. Meantime the
night had settled down quickly, for in the tropics night follows the
going down of the sun without any twilight. There was a rainbow but
thick banks of clouds driven