d,
which blew favourably from the south-east, had, by their dead reckoning,
driven them as far north as the latitude of Ushant, without their once
having had an opportunity of finding out the precise situation of the
frigate. The wind now shifted more to the eastward, and increasing to a
gale, Captain M--- determined upon making Cape Clear, on the southern
coast of Ireland; but having obtained sights for the chronometers it was
discovered that they were far to the westward of the reckoning, and had
no chance of making the point of land which they had intended. For many
days they had to contend against strong easterly gales, with a heavy
sea, and had sought shelter under the western coast of Ireland.

The weather moderating, and the wind veering again to the southward, the
frigate's head was put towards the shore, that they might take a fresh
departure; but scarcely had they time to congratulate themselves upon
the prospect of soon gaining a port, when there was every appearance of
another gale coming on from the south-west. As this was from a quarter
which, in all probability, would scarcely allow the frigate to weather
Mizen-head, she was hauled off on the larboard tack, and all sail put on
her which prudence would permit in the heavy cross sea, which had not
yet subsided.

"We shall have it all back again, I am afraid, sir," observed the
master, looking to windward at the horizon, which, black as pitch,
served as a background to relieve the white curling tops of the seas.
"Shall we have the trysails up, and bend them?"

"The boatswain is down after them now, Pearce," said the
first-lieutenant.

"The weather is indeed threatening," replied the captain, as he turned
from the weather gangway, where he had been standing, and wiped the
spray from his face, with which the atmosphere was charged; "and I
perceive that the glass is very low. Send the small sails down out of
the tops; as soon as the staysail is on her, lower the gaff, and furl
the spanker; the watch will do. When we go to quarters, we'll
double-breech the guns. Let the carpenter have his tarpaulins ready for
battening down--send for the boatswain, and let the boats on the booms
be well secured. Is that eight bells striking? Then pipe to supper
first; and, Mr Hardy," added Captain M---, as he descended the
companion-ladder, "they may as well hook the rolling-tackles again."

"Ay, ay, sir," replied Hardy, as the captain disappeared. "I say,
master,