to have observed the
effect of this information on the passengers. Regarded as a whole the
little world became perceptibly paler in the cheeks, and strikingly
moderate in tone of voice and manner. Major Beak, in particular, began
to talk low, and made no reference whatever to nautical matters, while
Mrs Pods looked amiably--almost affectionately--at Mrs Tods.

Of course the passengers observed with breathless interest the action of
the captain at this crisis. That important personage did his best to
stop the leak, but only succeeded in checking it, and it required the
constant exertions of the crew night and day at the pumps to reduce the
water in the hold even by an inch. In these circumstances the young men
among the passengers readily volunteered their services to assist the
crew.

The gale continued and steadily increased. At night the ladies, and
such of the passengers as were not employed at the pumps, retired to the
cabin. Some of those who did not realise the danger of the situation
went to bed. Others sat up in the saloon and consoled each other as
best they might.

Morning came, but with it came no abatement of the storm. Water and sky
seemed mingled together, and were of one uniform tone. It was obvious
that the men at the pumps were utterly exhausted, and worst of all the
water was beginning to gain slowly on them. The elderly men were now
called on to help. It became necessary that all should work for their
lives. Miss Bluestocking, who was muscular as well as masculine, rose
to the occasion, and suggested that the ladies, so to speak, should man
the pumps. Her suggestion was not acted on.

At this point Mr Bright, who had been toiling night and day like an
inexhaustible giant, suggested that music might be called in to aid
their flagging powers. It was well known that fatigued soldiers on a
march are greatly re-invigorated by the band. Major Beak, soaking from
head to foot with salt water, almost blind with fatigue and want of
sleep, and with the perspiration dropping from the point of his enormous
nose, plucked up heart to raise himself and assert that that was true.
He further suggested that Colonel Blare might play to them on the
cornet. But Colonel Blare was incapable by that time of playing even on
a penny trumpet. Dr Bassoon was reduced so low as to be obliged to
half whisper his incapacity to sing bass, and as for the great tenor,
Lieutenant Limp--a piece of tape was stiffer tha