royal-masts had previously been sent down. It
was a time when a careless hold was likely to cause the stoutest seaman
a leap into eternity. Scarcely was the ship made snug when down came
the blast upon her. The sky grew of a leaden hue, and the long swell
was broken up into a thousand tossing seas, foaming and leaping, and
crossing each other in a way trying even to a frigate, and fearfully
dangerous to any smaller craft. We, having been prepared in good time,
ran on before the wind, having, however, as it shifted, which it did
suddenly several points at a time, to change our course. The gale was a
violent one, and did, I believe, send more than one ill-found ship to
the bottom, but it was fortunately short in its duration, and by
daylight had greatly decreased. Pat Brady, who had as sharp a pair of
eyes as anyone on board, being on the look-out, discovered an object
floating far away on the lee-bow. Whether it was a rock or a vessel on
her beam-ends it was difficult to say. The ship was, however, kept away
towards it, and the master being consulted, declared that no rock was to
be found thereabouts. As we approached nearer, there was no doubt that
the object seen was a vessel, and probably capsized in the late
hurricane. The sea was still running very high, and washing over the
greater portion of it, almost hiding it from view. Still the after part
was higher out of the water than the rest, and it was possible that some
human beings might still be clinging to it. As we approached, the
frigate was brought on a wind, and hove to, but lowering a boat was
still an operation of danger. All glasses were turned towards the
wreck.

"I cannot help thinking there may be somebody on board," exclaimed Mr
Harry Oliver, the mate I have spoken of. "If you will let me go, sir, I
will board her," he added, turning to the Captain.

"As you like, Oliver," said Captain Cobb. "You know the risk; you can
take a boat, but only volunteers must accompany you."

Mr Oliver smiled. He knew well there would be no lack of them. Pat
Brady was the first to spring forward, and Bill King and my father both
volunteered to go likewise. The crew was soon formed, and the boat
safely reached the water. Away she went. No small skill was required
to keep her afloat. My mother and Mrs King were looking on, and I have
no doubt offering up prayers for the safety of their husbands. At
length the boat got round to the lee side of the wreck.