the southward, the position of the
ship would be still more critical.

As the day drew on, the breeze freshened, but the rollers at the same
time increased, and broke heavily half-a-cable's length to the westward
of the ship, foaming and roaring as they met the resistance of the
rockbound shore. The position of the "Ranger" was more dangerous than
ever. The crew were at their stations; the soldiers were on deck,
divided into parties under their officers, ready to assist in any work
they might be directed to perform. Topgallant masts and royal masts
were got up, and everything was prepared for making sail. The order was
now given for shortening in the cable. As it was got on board, it was
found that it had swept over a sharp rock about fifty fathoms from the
anchor, and it seemed a miracle that it had not been cut through.

"Avast heaving," cried the captain. "Loose sails." In an instant the
crew were aloft.

At that moment, as the topsails were filling, the second-lieutenant
cried out from forward, "The cable has parted."

"Let go the second bower," cried the captain. The ship was drifting
towards the rocks. Willy held his breath. What Harry had said might
soon be realised. Mrs Morley and her daughters were on deck. They
stood together watching the shore. Their cheeks were paler than usual,
but they showed no sign of alarm, talking calmly and earnestly together.
As Willy Dicey observed them, he wondered whether they could be aware
of the danger they were in. To be sure, they might be lowered into the
boat before the ship struck, but then the Colonel was not likely to quit
his men, and they could not be indifferent to his safety. Still the
ship drifted.

"Let go the sheet-anchor," was the next order. All were looking out
anxiously to ascertain whether she was driving nearer the treacherous
surf. Many a breast drew a relieved breath. The last anchor had
brought her up. Sails were now furled and royal yards sent down.

Near the "Ranger" an English barque was at anchor. Her master came on
board, and volunteered to assist in making a hawser fast to his vessel,
for the purpose of casting the ship the right way. "You will find,
Captain Newcombe, that the rollers will soon be increasing, and, knowing
the place as I do, I have great doubts whether the anchors will hold,"
he observed; "I wish you were well out of this." As he spoke, he cast
an anxious glance astern, where the surf was breaking with te