but
"Oh! oh! oh! what is going to happen? Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, I wish
I had not come!"

The other officers had collected in the main cabin, where Captain Power
had taken his seat at the head of the table, giving encouragement to
those around him, while their well-disciplined men, according to orders,
kept to their quarters, the sergeants moving among them to see that no
one went on deck. Mrs Rumbelow had taken the poor women under her
charge, and did her best to comfort them.

"I told you so," she exclaimed, when the ship was found to be moving
easily forward, and those fearful grating sounds had ceased. "Just
trust in God, and all will come right. Never cry out that all is lost
while there is life, and even at the last moment hope that a way of
deliverance may be found."

The wind had increased, the courses had been taken off the ship, and she
stood out under her topsails. It might have been supposed that nothing
particular had occurred. All hands were at their stations, however,
both watches being kept on deck; indeed, no one, even the most careless,
felt inclined to go below.

The commander was walking the poop, awaiting the report of the
carpenter; he had taken one or two turns, when a figure approached him.

"I don't like the state of things," said a voice which he recognised as
that of Mr Chisel. "The ship is making water very rapidly; it's coming
in in several places, though the worst leaks are for'ard."

"We must do our best to stop them, however," answered the commander.
"And, Mr Chisel, do not let more than necessary know this." The
first-lieutenant and master instantly hurried below to assist the
carpenter in discovering the leaks. That they were high up seemed
certain, and thus some hope existed that they might be reached. In time
the chief injuries were discovered, and every effort was made to stop
the leaks, old sails and blankets being used for the purpose. The pumps
were immediately manned by the soldiers, who were told off to work them.
Their clanking sound echoed along the decks, while, at the same time,
the loud gush of the clear water rushing through the scuppers gave
fearful proof of the large amount which must be rushing in. How eagerly
all on board longed for daylight. The wind, however, was rising, and
the ship heeled over on the side which had received the injury; she was
accordingly put on the other tack, although it would take her out of her
proper course.

All on b