g summoned.
Every one knew what had occurred.

"Cut away the mizen-mast, Windy," cried the captain.

The mate, with a gleaming axe in his hand, stood ready to obey the
order. The shrouds were cut.

"Cut," cried the captain, and a few strokes sent the tall mast into the
sea. The desired effect was not produced. The helm was put up, but the
ship refused to obey it. The mate sprang to the mainmast. That, too,
must go, or the ship might never rise from her dangerous position; but
it was a fearful alternative; for, deprived of her masts, she might be
driven at the mercy of the wind and waves, and cast helpless on some
rocky shore of that bleak region, towards which, should the gale
continue, she might be driven.

"Cut," again cried the captain. The mainmast fell into the seething
water, the seamen hurrying with axes to sever the ropes which kept it
still attached to the ship. With a sudden jerk the ship in another
instant rose to an even keel; but so violent was the motion that the
foremast, deprived of its accustomed support, went by the board, and the
"Crusader" lay a helpless wreck on the wild waste of waters.

It is needless to describe the dismay and anxiety of those below, though
only partly aware of the dangerous position to which the ship was
reduced. Now, answering her helm, she flew before the gale. While the
captain was issuing orders to clear the wreck, the carpenter appeared
with a face of dismay. He had been sounding the well.

"Three feet of water in the hold, sir," he said. "It will be a hard
job, with all the pumps going, to keep the leaks under."

Mr Paget heard the announcement. "I will get the emigrants to work
them," he said, "and the cabin passengers will, I feel confident, set
the example."

"Rig the pumps at once, then, Mr Gimlett," said the captain. "When the
gale moderates we will get up jury-masts, and do our best to save the
ship. Tell the poor people not to be downhearted, Mr Paget, but to put
their trust in Him who has carried us thus far on our voyage in safety."

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

AN INVASION OF SEALS.

STORES LANDED--PARTY SENT TO KILL SEALS--A TENT RIGGED--WOODCUTTERS SET
TO WORK--TIGER-SEALS--A MOB OF SEALS ATTACKED--PETER CHASED BY
TIGER-SEAL--WILLY RESCUES PETER FROM THE SEAL--HARRY MEDITATES ON HIS
RESPONSIBILITIES--THE ENCAMPMENT AT NIGHT--A STORM THREATENS--RAIN COMES
THROUGH THE HUTS--INVADED BY SEALS--SEALS DRIVEN OFF--A HURRICANE--BOATS
IN DANGER--TH