ig jury masts.

"Night came on; the hurricane was over. We were anxiously looking for
daylight. Our belief was that we were a considerable distance from any
island, when suddenly a loud crash was heard, and we had too sure
evidence that the ship was on shore. Happily the sea had gone down, and
although she struck heavily several times, we had hopes that she would
hold together until we had made our escape. The commander, who was as
cool as a cucumber, told us that although he could not get the ship off,
seeing that already she had two or three holes in her bottom, our lives
might all be preserved if we maintained discipline and exerted
ourselves. When daylight came we found ourselves in sight of a small
island, but it looked barren and inhospitable, with intervening reefs,
over which the sea was breaking, so that we could have but little hope
of reaching it. Outside, however, it was much calmer, but as the boats
could not carry us all, the commander determined to build two or more
rafts or catamarans which might convey all who could not go in the
boats, and carry provisions and water.

"We hoped to reach the Loo-choo Islands, should we miss Grampus Island,
half-way to them. The weather coming on perfectly fine, we were able to
get three rafts rigged and the boats prepared for sea. The boats were
to take the rafts in tow and keep within hailing distance, steering as
the commander might direct. With a light wind from the eastward we
shoved off from the wreck, without leaving a man behind. We made but
slow progress, as the wind was light and the rafts towed somewhat
heavily, still, we were all in good spirits, except that we regretted
the loss of the ship and could not help thinking what had become of you
fellows. We ran on for three days and then began to look out for
Grampus Island, when the weather became threatening. As the barometer
fell, so did our spirits. Had we all been in the boats, we might by
this time have reached the shore, but of course they would not desert
the rafts. The second lieutenant had charge of one raft, Josling
another, and I volunteered to command the third. Even should a gale
spring up, we did not altogether despair of navigating our rafts, so
that we might run before it and lash ourselves down to escape being
washed off.

"The wind blew stronger and stronger; the sea got up, and as night
approached, matters were looking very disagreeable. The commander came
round and spoke to