se up on either side. For several days the
ship ran on, the gale in no way moderating. Emily and May longed to go
on deck, to witness, with their brother and Mr Paget, the wild tumult
of waters. They wisely entreated them not to make the attempt.

"No, no, young ladies," said Captain Westerway, "you had better stay
where you are. We are doing our best as seamen, but we cannot tell from
one moment to another what may happen. A mast may go, and one of those
waves following astern might break on board, and sweep the decks, and
you will be carried away like feathers without the possibility of saving
you."

This reply made them very anxious whenever Charles and Mr Paget went on
deck. One day they both had gone up as usual, promising to hold fast
and not run any risk of the danger the Captain had pictured. Just as
the ship had reached the crest of a sea a clap was heard like the sound
of thunder. The fore-topsail had split. In an instant the larger
portion was blown into ribbons, which, streaming out, flapped and
twisted and curled themselves round the yard.

"Fore-topmen, aloft!" cried the captain, and, led by Bill Windy, several
men mounted the rigging with axes in their belts. As the fragments of
the sail beat wildly about, the men ran a fearful risk of being caught
by them and hurled into the foaming sea. Bravely they faced the danger,
and, cutting away the remainder of the sail, off it flew like a gigantic
kite ahead of the ship. Now came the task of bending another sail.
Notwithstanding the difficulty, this was accomplished, the ship happily
escaping being pooped during the interval.

Several more days passed by and still the gale gave no sign of abating.
How different was the aspect of the cabin now to what it had been during
fine weather. The stern lights were closely shut in, the sky-light
battened down and covered over, to prevent any sea which might come on
board breaking through. A solitary lamp swung, both night and day, to
and fro, casting a pale, flickering light around. Most of the
passengers kept in their cabins, seldom venturing out, even at the
breakfast and dinner hour, at which time the table was partially covered
with dishes, firmly secured by puddings and fiddles, as the captain told
them the lines and sandbags fastened to it are called. Even Mrs
Clagget's tongue was more silent than usual; sometimes, however, it
could be heard amid the creaking of the bulk-heads, as she endeavoured