aving been deprived even
for that short time of the power which urged her through the seas, she
had drifted down, it seemed, close upon the reef. Once more the captain
looked anxiously to leeward.

"We shall still weather the reef," he exclaimed to the first lieutenant,
who, after gazing at it, looked in his face as if to ask a question,
"Unless," the commander added, "the wind draws more out of the west."

Heeling over, however, less than she had before done to the blast, her
head pointed seaward, clear of the reef, still, should she be making
much leeway, it would be doubtful whether, after all, she would clear
it. To tack close to it, crippled as she was, would be dangerous in the
extreme. The commander stood, as before, at his post.

"She will do it, Matson," he said, speaking to his first lieutenant.

"God grant she may," answered the officer.

On she flew. The sea dashed in masses of foam high above the dark rocks
which formed the extremity of the reef. On, on, she stood. A few
seconds almost would decide her fate. Many an eye glanced over the
lee-bulwarks. The water washed up through the scuppers, and rose high
on deck. The crew sheltered themselves as best they could under the
weather-bulwarks, for the seas were breaking in masses of foam over the
weather-bows, deluging the decks fore and aft. The commander gazed also
anxiously at the reef. The corvette darted on. Already the foam which
flew over her seemed to unite with that which broke above the rocks.
Still, he did not turn pale, nor did his eye quiver. In another instant
she would be hurled to destruction or be free. The crew watched the
threatening reef, and many an old seaman felt that he had never been in
greater danger.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

Ned Davis, when he came down from aloft, had taken his post again near
his beloved commander. "I am a good swimmer," he said to himself, "and
I will do my best to save the captain. If I fail I will perish with
him." Such were the thoughts which passed through his mind, as the most
critical moment of all had arrived. Nearer and nearer the corvette drew
towards the rocks. Now they appeared broad on the lee-bow--now they
were right abeam--and at length many a bold seaman drew his breath more
freely as they were seen over the quarter. The danger was passed. The
beautiful little ship flew on, breasting bravely the foaming billows.
At length she had clear room once more to make a tack. She ca