said the proud father, as he once more
parted from his son.

Those were days of pressgangs, and Dick Rogers took good care to hide
away till he ascertained the craft Pearce was to join, when he at once
volunteered for her. Bonham, who had still a year to serve, was
appointed to the same ship. The "Vestal" had a quick run across the
Atlantic till within about five days' sail of Halifax, Nova Scotia, when
a heavy gale sprang up, which tried to the utmost her seaworthy
qualities. The sloop behaved beautifully, hove to, and rode buoyantly
over the raging seas. Well indeed was it for her that she was properly
handled, for the gale went on increasing till the oldest seamen on board
declared that they had never met with such another. It continued for a
week, each day the wind blowing harder and harder, or if there was a
lull it seemed to come only that the gale might gain greater strength.
For days not a glimpse of sun, or moon, or stars had been obtained. It
was the morning watch; the grey cold dawn had just broke. Pearce was on
deck, when sweeping his eye round the horizon as the sloop rose to the
summit of a sea he perceived on the lee beam the hull of a ship, rising
and sinking amid the tumultuous waters. At first he thought she was
keel up, but as the light increased he saw that she was a large ship
with the stump of the foremast alone remaining. That she was in a bad
plight was very clear. She was remarkably low in the water he fancied,
and who could say how long even she might keep afloat.

The captain, being summoned, soon came on deck. To bear sway for the
stranger would be a work of danger to the "Vestal." Still who could
tell how many human beings might be on board that sinking ship! With
hatches battened down and men lashed to the helm, the captain resolved
to go to the rescue.

The seas came roaring up with furious rage, as the sloop flew before
them, some breaking aboard; and rounding to under the stern of the ship,
she again hove to. Many people appeared on the deck of the stranger
who, stretching out their arms, implored assistance. How was it to be
afforded? Would a boat live in such a sea? Such appeals to British
seamen are never made in vain. Pearce Ripley offered to make the
experiment if men were found ready to go with him. There was no want of
volunteers. A boat was lowered. It seemed as if she must be engulfed
before she left the sloop's side. Ripley's progress was watched by
ea