on
the danger was greatly increased. Even flying as she was before the
wind those on board could scarcely keep their feet, and more than one
remarked, "What must it be for poor people on shore? Why, half the
plantations in Jamaica will be carried away."

"Worse still for those at sea who are on a lee shore," observed Mr
Evans. "Let us pray that we may not find ourselves in that position."

The men generally behaved very well during the awful scene, but there
were some skulkers who went below to hide themselves away. Among them
was John Higson. He had been bold and boasting in fine weather, but he
now showed himself to be the coward he really was. The second
lieutenant, going his rounds on the lower deck, found him stowed away,
hoping to be out of sight, with two or three others of the same
character. He instantly ordered them up on deck to do their duty,
though they very unwillingly obeyed.

"Do you think that the hurricane will soon be over, master?" asked
Captain Falkner.

"Not for some hours, I fear," answered the master. "I have known such a
one as this last twenty-four hours at least, and wonderful was the
mischief it did in that time. However, as long as we can keep her from
broaching to, we shall do well enough."

While he was speaking there was a fearful crash. Loud shrieks were
heard. The main-yard had been carried from the slings, as it fell
crushing several persons who stood below it.

Several of their messmates rushed to the spot to aid them. Four or five
were killed, and others were sadly mangled. Still the frigate drove on.

"A sail ahead," shouted the look-out.

Glasses were turned in that direction, and a large ship was seen now
sinking in the trough of the sea, now rising to the summit of the waves.

"She is a line-of-battle ship, I think," said Mr Evans to Captain
Falkner, "and from the way she is rolling I fear she is in a bad
condition."

The blast which had carried away the frigate's main-yard appeared to be
the last effort of the hurricane. The wind began to subside almost as
rapidly as it commenced. In a short time, although the sea continued
raging fiercely, the wind had dropped to a moderate gale. The wreck of
the yard having been cleared away, sail was once more made on the
frigate, and she steered towards the line-of-battle ship. As she
approached every indication was observed that she had suffered fearfully
in the hurricane. Her ensign was hoisted reversed. The