one of which she might strike with but little warning. Again he
urged the men to keep a lookout, not for the chase but for land, now so
much dreaded.

Lord Reginald came aft, and stood by his friend, "Well, Voules; things
don't look promising," he said, in as cheerful a voice as he could
command.

"No, and they may look worse, if we find ourselves running down on one
of the many islands which dot these seas."

"We must keep a bright look-out, and haul up in time," replied the young
commander of the _Marie_.

"But if we do haul up with this hurricane raging and this sea running,
we may drift on shore notwithstanding," answered Voules. "Our only
chance will be to endeavour to get round the island, if we see it in
time, and to anchor under its lee, if holding ground can be found, and
wait there until the storm is over."

"We will have a look at the chart, and ascertain how far off the land
is," said Lord Reginald.

Going below, he and Voules eagerly examined the chart. No islands
appeared for some distance ahead. To the northward, was the east end of
Java, with Bali, Sumbawa, and Floris, extending in a long line beyond
it. Should the wind shift to the southward, they might run through one
of the passages existing between those islands; but still, the ship was
a considerable distance to the southward of them, and they hoped that
the hurricane would cease before they were driven thus far. On
returning on deck, the wind appeared to have increased rather than
decreased. As they were standing together, looking anxiously at the
bending masts, the remaining top-gallant sails were torn from their
lashings, and before any hands could be sent aloft to secure them, the
masts themselves were carried away and the lately trim ship looked now
almost a wreck. To cut them clear was a work of no little danger. The
men saw what was required. Several volunteered, notwithstanding the
risk they ran, to go aloft. Among them was Dick. With knives and axes
they cut desperately at the rigging, until, as the ship heeled over,
they fell clear of her into the water. Relieved of so much top hamper,
she appeared to be greatly eased. Another night was approaching, but
the storm raged as furiously as before. All night long the ship ran on,
the seas increasing in height, and threatening every instant to poop
her. Although for a short time Lord Reginald turned in, yet neither he
nor any one on board could obtain much sleep. Several