d pitch into
the sea was not so violent as it would otherwise have been. Otherwise,
indeed, I should have been crushed upon the surface of the water, never
to breathe again. Another circumstance happened in my favour: my body
had turned round as I parted from the top, and I was going head
downward; but, on striking the sail, the attitude was reversed, and I
reached the water in a perpendicular position, with my feet downward.
Consequently, the shock was less, and, sinking deeply in the waves, I
was saved. All these points I learned afterwards, from one who had
anxiously watched me in my descent.

When I rose to the surface of course it was with confused senses, and
with surprise that I still lived--for I had been certain on letting go
my hold that I was being hurled into eternity--yes, I fully believed
that my end had come.

I now perceived that I was still living--that I was in the sea--that
waves were dashing around me; and on looking up I saw the dark ship at a
cable's distance from me, still passing away. I thought I saw men
standing along the taffrail, and some clinging upon the shrouds; but the
ship appeared to be going fast away, and leaving me behind in the water.

I had learnt to swim, and, for a boy, was a good average swimmer.
Feeling that I was not hurt I instinctively struck out, though not to
follow the vessel, but to keep myself from sinking. I looked around to
see if there was anything I might cling to, as I fancied that something
might have been thrown out from the ship. I could see nothing at first,
but as I mounted upon the top of a wave I noticed a dark round object,
between me and the hull, which, notwithstanding that the sun was in my
eyes, I made out to be the head of a man. He was still at some
distance, but evidently nearing me, and as it approached I recognised
the thick curly hair and countenance of my protector Brace. He had
leaped overboard and was swimming to my rescue. In a few seconds he was
by my side.

"Ho!" cried he, as he drew near and saw that I was swimming, "all right
my lad! swim like a duck, eh?--all right--don't feel hurt, do you? Lean
on me, if you do."

I answered that I felt strong enough to swim for half-an-hour if
necessary.

"All right then," he rejoined; "we'll get a rope's end in less time than
that, though maybe you fancy you've had enough of rope's end? Hang the
inhuman scoundrels. I'll revenge you yet, my lad. Ship ahoy!" he
shouted, "this way wit