eak, and four hands at the pumps interfered very much with their task.
As Ready had prophesied, before night the gale blew, the sea rose again
with the gale, and the leaking of the vessel increased so much, that all
other labour was suspended for that at the pump. For two more days did
the storm continue, during which time the crew were worn out with
fatigue--they could pump no longer: the ship, as she rolled, proved that
she had a great deal of water in her hold--when, melancholy as were
their prospects already, a new disaster took place, which was attended
with most serious results. Captain Osborn was on the forecastle giving
some orders to the men, when the strap of the block which hoisted up the
main-topgallant yard on the stump of the foremast gave way, the yard and
sail came down on the deck, and struck him senseless. As long as
Captain Osborn commanded them, the sailors had so high an opinion of his
abilities as a seaman, and were so encouraged by his cheerful
disposition, that they performed their work well and cheerfully; but now
that he was, if not killed, at all events senseless and incapable of
action, they no longer felt themselves under control. Mackintosh was
too much disliked by the seamen to allow his words to have any weight
with them. They were regardless of his injunctions or requests, and
they now consulted among themselves.

"The gale is broke, my men, and we shall have fine weather now,"
observed Ready, going up to the sailors on the forecastle. "The wind is
going down fast."

"Yes," replied one of the men, "and the ship is going down fast, that's
quite as certain."

"A good spell at the pumps would do us some good now," replied Ready.
"What d'ye say, my lads?"

"A glass of grog or two would do us more," replied the seaman. "What
d'ye say, my boys? I don't think that the captain would refuse us, poor
fellow, if he could speak."

"What do you mean to do, my lads?" inquired Mackintosh: "not get drunk,
I hope?"

"Why not?" observed another of the men; "the ship must go down soon."

"Perhaps she may--I will not deny it," said Mackintosh; "but that is no
reason why we should not be saved: now, if you get drunk, there is no
chance of any one being saved, and my life is precious to me. I'm ready
to join with you in anything you please, and you may decide what is to
be done; but get drunk you shall not, if I can help it, that's certain."

"And how can you help it?" replied one of the sea