spite of the darkness, we could see the land about a
mile and a half, or even less, from us, while the roar of the surf as it
broke on the shore could be heard with distinctness. Suddenly, as I was
standing on the deck, I felt one side of my cheek grow colder than the
other. I wetted my finger and held up my hand. There was a sensible
difference in the temperature. In another minute I had no doubt about
it. A breeze was springing up. The sails gave two or three loud flaps
against the masts. I looked at the compass; the breeze was from the
westward. Still, any wind was better than none at all, provided there
was not too much of it. Mr Henley felt it as soon as I did. I heard
his clear, manly voice issue the order to brace the yards sharp up; and
the ship, at length feeling her helm, was brought close to the wind.
Had the breeze been off the shore, our difficulties would have been
over; as it was, they were only mitigated. The land lay broad on our
port beam; and when I looked over the port bow I could not help
believing that I saw a cape or headland which it seemed scarcely
possible that we should weather. I pointed it out to Mr Henley. He
had seen it, and told me I was right. To go about was useless.

"Unless the wind shifts some four or five points, we shall have gained
but little," he observed.

Higher and more distinct drew the headland. Then it seemed to stand out
in the dark ocean like some monster of the deep about to overwhelm us.
It was a remarkable headland--once seen not likely to be forgotten. As
we all stood gazing at it with dread and anxiety, I observed a person
coming up on the poop deck. He advanced rapidly towards where the mates
were standing. I thought I recognised the figure and appearance of Mr
Barwell, who had never before come, that I was aware of, to that part of
the deck.

"There appears no small chance of the ship being cast away, and of our
losing our lives," he observed abruptly. "The ship will never weather
that point, let me assure you."

"Who are you?--what do you know about the matter?" exclaimed Mr Grimes,
turning sharply round on him.

"Who I am is of little consequence, provided I do know something of the
matter," answered the pretended shoemaker. "This is not the first time
by many that I have been off here, and if you will trust to my pilotage
I will take you into a bay where you may lie as securely as in Plymouth
Harbour. If you stand on as you are now doin