, which came rushing over the
deck, while the watch were engaged in letting fly tacks and sheets,
lowering topsails, clewing up, and hauling down, blocks were rattling,
sails shivering, the wind roaring, the sea leaping, hissing, and
foaming. The helm was put up, the ship righted, and away she flew
before the furious blast, not having suffered any material damage.

The _Ione_, however, could nowhere be seen. Struck by the squall, she
might either have been dismasted or have capsized. In the former case
it was very probable that she might fall into the hands of the enemy;
but, much as the captain desired it, he could not return to her
assistance.

Night came on, and the gale increased, the big ship tumbling and rolling
about almost as much as she would have done in the Atlantic, so rapidly
did the sea get up. It took some time to get everything snug, but as
the ship was at a considerable distance from the land, no great anxiety
was felt for her safety.

In the morning the master reported that by his calculation they were
about thirteen leagues south-east of Cape Saint Sebastian, on the
Spanish coast.

The wind had fallen with almost the same rapidity with which it had
risen, but there was still a good deal of sea on. It had now shifted.
The first lieutenant was officer of the watch, and was superintending
the operation of washing decks.

Rayner, and another midshipman, also with bare feet and trousers tucked
up, were paddling about, directing the men in their various duties.

Our hero had just came aft, and was addressing Mr Saltwell, when the
latter looking forward, suddenly exclaimed, "What can that smoke be?
Run and see where it comes from!"

As Rayner hurried forward he observed a thick volume of smoke rising out
of the fore-hatchway, and immediately afterwards a similar ominous cloud
ascended from the main hatchway. Before he had made a step aft to
report this he saw Mr Saltwell hastening forward.

The next moment the cry of "Fire!" was raised, and the people came
rushing up the hatchway in the midst of volumes of smoke ascending from
the orlop deck.

"Rayner, go and inform the captain what has occurred," said Mr
Saltwell, in a calm tone. "Let the drum beat to quarters!" he shouted.

The rolling sound of the drum was soon heard along the decks, and the
men, springing from all parts of the ship, hurried to their respective
stations, where they stood, ready for their orders.

Not a cry was heard.