th a barrier of mountains in the background, and in front a
broad band of snow-white foam.

Would the schooner cover the distance? If so, would she escape being
dashed to pieces in the thundering surf? These were the questions
which agitated our minds as, impelled by the breeze, she drove through
the water. We of ourselves could do nothing save work at the pumps and
wait for what might happen.

Afternoon merged into evening, and evening into night. A few stars
peeped forth in the sky, but were soon veiled by grayish clouds. The
broad white band along the shore was startlingly distinct, and still
the issue was undecided.

The end came with such unexpected suddenness that the men hardly had
time to cry out. Jose and I were resting at the moment, when the
schooner lurched heavily, tried to right herself and failed, filled
with water, and sank like a stone.

I often think of that shipwreck as a horrible dream. Down, down I
went, holding my breath till it seemed impossible to stay longer
without opening my mouth and swallowing the salt water. By an effort I
restrained myself till my head shot above the surface and once more I
was free to breathe.

The ship had disappeared entirely, and it was too dark to see such a
small object as a man's head. By great good fortune I managed to seize
a floating spar, and, resting on it, called aloud for Jose. The only
answer was the anguished cry of a drowning man across the waste of
waters. Twice again it came, and then all was silent, though in
imagination I still could hear that anguished cry. The sea rolled in
long surges, carrying me forward without effort and at a great rate
toward the clear white line. Live or die, I could not help myself now,
but was entirely at the mercy of the waves. I thought of Jose's advice
to make a fight for it, but there was nothing to be done. Clinging to
my spar, I was tossed from crest to depth like a ball bandied about by
boys.

And now my ears were filled with a great roaring as I approached nearer
to the crested foam; then feeling that the end was very near, I prayed
silently yet fervently that God would comfort my mother in this her new
trial, and prepared myself to die.

From the top of a high wave I went down into the depths, rose again to
the crest of a second huge roller, and then was flung with the velocity
of lightning into the midst of the great sea-horses with their snowy
manes.

Of this part of the adventure I rememb