all these horrors."

"Possibly," agreed Leslie. "Yet `_quien sabe_?' as the Spaniards say,
who can tell? We might have trans-shipped into some craft quite as, if
not even more, unfortunate than ourselves. In any case, it is too late
now; and even were it not so, you appear to have forgotten that we could
not _both_ have trans-shipped; _I_ at least am bound to go on to
Valparaiso in this brig. This, however, is not the moment to discuss
these matters; you are shivering and your teeth chattering with cold; I
must therefore _insist_ that you go below and turn in at once. And as
you pass through the cabin, mix yourself a good stiff glass of grog; it
will do you good. I prescribe it."

"Very, well doctor, I will obey you," answered the girl. And forthwith
she disappeared down the companion, without saying "Good night!"
somewhat to Leslie's chagrin.

The apparent discourtesy was, however, soon explained; for a minute or
two later she reappeared, bearing in her hand a tumbler of generously
stiff grog, which she handed to Leslie, saying--

"_I_ `prescribe this.' Please drink it at once; for I am certain that
you need it far more than I do. Oh yes, I will take some myself, since
you so strenuously insist upon it. There, now you will feel better," as
she received the empty tumbler from him. "And now, good night. I wish
I were a man, for then I could stay here and help you."

"God forbid!" ejaculated Leslie, fervently. "Not even to secure the
benefit of your help would I have you other than as you are. A thousand
thanks for the grog; and now good night; let me not see you again until
the morning!"

The disaster to the brig had happened shortly before midnight; and for
the rest of that wild and bitter night, until seven bells in the morning
watch, Leslie stood there alone at the wheel, keeping the brig stern-on
to the fast-rising sea. Then the carpenter and the remainder of the
crew appeared on deck, and one of them came aft to his relief. The cook
lighted the galley fire; the steward presently brought him aft a cup of
smoking hot cocoa; and then, when he had stripped to the skin, been
pumped on copiously under the head pump, rubbed down vigorously with a
rough towel, and invested in a complete change of dry garments, he felt
a new man, ready for another arduous day's work, if need be. He,
however, insisted that all hands should take a thorough good breakfast
before starting the day's work; and the wisdom of