nothing particular had
occurred. We having finished our work came down. Scarcely was this
done when the gale struck us, taking us right aback. The cabin
dead-lights not being properly secured, the cabin was nearly filled with
water. The carpenter and his mates hurried aft to close them, and we
youngsters were sent below to help him, and put things to rights.

When this was done down came the rain in such torrents that it seemed as
if it would swamp the ship, while as she fell off into the trough of the
sea, she began to roll in a way which threatened every instant to shake
the masts out of her. It seemed wonderful that they stood. Had the
rigging not been well set up they must have gone. The only accident I
have to mention was that one of our remaining pigs was killed, but this
did not grieve the crew, for as we had no salt on board, and the meat
would not keep, the portion not required for the cabin was served out to
us.

Another, and what might have proved a far more serious matter, occurred.
Tom Ringold was steering, when a sea striking the rudder with
tremendous force knocked him over the wheel, carrying away several of
the brass spokes as it flew round, and sent him against the bulwarks.
For a moment everyone thought he was killed, but he picked himself up,
and although he could not use his arm for two or three days, at the end
of that time he was able to do his duty as well as ever.

That storm soon came to an end, but the old hands told us that we might
look out for others, and so the captain seemed to think, for although he
was anxious to get round Cape Horn we were always under snug canvas at
night, and during the day a bright look-out was kept, lest one of those
sudden squalls called Pamperos might come off the land and whip the
masts out of the ship, or lay her on her beam-ends, as frequently
happens when the hands are not ready to shorten sail. We, however, got
to the southward of the Falkland Islands without accident.

My poor friend and messmate Esdale severely felt the cold which we now
began to experience. He came on deck to attend to his duty, but a
hacking cough and increasing weakness made him very unfit for it. The
doctor at last insisted on his remaining below, although Esdale declared
that he would rather be on deck and try to do his best.

"But I insist on your remaining in your bunk until we round Cape Horn
and reach a warmer latitude," said Dr Cockle. "I will see the captain,
an