ng that daylight might discover
a more favourable state of affairs.

St. Alban's Head is so dangerous a reef that no vessel meeting it in
collision could stand the shock. Immediately after the hurried
conference before mentioned, the "Halsewell" ran violently up against
the rock. The passengers, who had been waiting together for death for
some time, became excessively agitated, and many a shriek rose over the
disturbed waters. Every soul rushed on deck, almost unable to
distinguish the face of a friend in the dark gloom of that fearful
morning. The sides of the vessel were being completely stove in as she
was repeatedly beaten upon the rocks. The chief officer retained his
presence of mind to the end; he proposed that all should keep to the
side that presented itself to the shore, so that at any possible moment
they might leap over in an endeavour to gain it. The ladies were
discovered in the round-house, and the officers, exhibiting true
manliness of character, strove to alleviate their sufferings, ignoring
their own danger. The steep snowy cliffs that sparkle in the clear
rays of the sun like crystal, and the bold promontories that inspire
one with awe and delight, viewed from a safe point, were looked upon
with dismay and terror by the occupants of the doomed ship. The light
of another day broke, when the vessel was seen to be blocking up the
entrance to a large cave scooped out by the continued force of the
waves. With that gregarious feeling always experienced in times of
danger, the people gathered silently and sadly together in the
roundhouse, now and then disturbed by a piercing wail from one of three
negresses who had sought refuge there. Various articles of furniture
and other effects were strewed about in all directions. Such a picture
greeted Mr. Meriton on leaving the deck. He at once struck a light,
and sat down in their midst, until the issues of the morning should
decide him on a course of action. Never oblivious of the comfort of
others, while forgetful of his own, he managed to procure a few oranges
to refresh the ladies.

Above deck many were leaving the ship, and trusting to the waves
casting them on the contiguous shore. A sudden lurch, accompanied by a
breaking up of the deck, and ominous creaking of adjacent timbers,
confirmed the distressing conviction that all would soon be over.
Looking up, Mr. Meriton perceived that the vessel had literally snapped
asunder. Whatever might be a