ne moved--no one spoke--the howling of the gale and the
dashing of the waters were the only sounds heard. Suddenly all were
aroused into activity by the deep full tones of the captain's voice.
"About ship!" "Down with the helm!" "Helm's a-lee!" "Maintopsail
haul!" "Haul-of-all!" were the orders given in slow succession. Round
came the ship in noble style, but it was soon clear that she had gained
nothing by the change. Her course did not point more off shore on her
present tack than it had done on the former one. No land could be seen,
but men were stationed in the chains with the lead to give notice of
their approach to it. It was soon evident that the ship was drifting
nearer and nearer to the shore, the rocky and dangerous character of
which every one on board full well knew, yet each was prepared to
struggle to the last to do his duty, whatever might befall them.

"What's going to happen?" asked Paddy. "People don't seem to like this
fun."

"We shall have to swim for it, I suspect," remarked Jack.

"We must be prepared for the worst," observed Alick Murray. "Rogers,
Adair, has it ever struck you that we maybe summoned at any moment to
stand in the presence of the Judge of all men? What shall we have to
say for ourselves? The thought should not make us cowards, but we
should not drive it away--I know that."

While Murray was speaking there was a terrific report. The foresail was
blown out of the bolt-ropes. At the same moment a more than usually
bright flash of lightning, which darted across the whole northern sky,
revealed the frowning rocks of the coast under their lee. "Prepare to
anchor ship!" cried the captain. It was a last resource. The remaining
canvas was furled. The best bower was let go; the topmasts were struck;
and it was hoped that the ship might hold on till the gale abated. No
one went below. This work performed, all hands returned to their
stations. Once more the gale came down on them with increased fury.
The ship plunged into the foaming seas which rolled up around her. The
best bower parted. Another anchor was let go, and the full length of
the cable veered out. An hour more passed by in anxious suspense;
death, in its most ferocious aspect, threatening all on board. The
cable parted. The sheet anchor was let go, and alone now kept the brig
from destruction. Still the gale did not abate. The night wore on.
The officers forward reported that the ship was dragging the