ld have felt, unless it was that Providence
was pleased to interpose on this occasion more directly than usual. I
could not leave the deck; I waited for daylight with great impatience,
and as the day dawned I had my telescope in my hand looking round the
compass.

At last, as the sun rose from the fog on the horizon, something
attracted my eye, and I made it out to be the two masts of a vessel
which had sunk in about six fathoms water. Still I could see nothing
except the masts. However, to make sure, I made sail on the schooner,
and stood towards them. A short tack enabled us to fetch, and in half
an hour we passed the wreck about a half-musket-shot to windward, when
we perceived an arm lifted up out of the water, and waved to us.

"There is somebody there," said I, "and I was right. Quickly, my lads;
fore-sheet to windward, and lower down the stern-boat."

This was done in a minute, and in a short time the boat returned,
bringing with them a lad about sixteen years old, whom they had found
in the water, clinging to the masts of the vessel. He was too much
exhausted to speak or move. He was put into bed, covered up with
blankets, and some warm spirits and water poured down his throat. We
then hoisted up the boat, and made sail upon the schooner, and I went
down below to breakfast, rejoicing that I had acted upon the impulse
which I had felt, and had thus been instrumental in saving the life of
a fellow-creature. A few minutes after he was put into bed, the lad
fell into a sound sleep, which continued during the whole of the day.
The next morning he awoke greatly recovered, and very hungry, and as
soon as he had eaten he rose and dressed himself.

I then sent for him, as I was impatient to see him and learn his
history. When he entered the cabin, it struck me I had seen his
features before, but where I could not say. To my inquiries he stated
that the brig was the Jane and Mary, of Hull, laden with coals; that
they had started a wooden end during the gale, and that she had filled
so rapidly that they got the boat from off the boom to save their
lives, but from the heavy sea running, and the confusion, the boat had
been bilged against the bulwarks, and went down as they were shoving
off; that he had supported himself by one of the oars, and was soon
separated from his companions who floated around him; that during this
time the brig had sunk, and he, clinging to the oar, had been drawn
towards her as she sank, and ca