he time that the
sailors exerted themselves to the utmost. It was ten minutes past seven
when the half hour had expired; the well was sounded and the line
carefully measured--_Seven feet six inches_! So that the water had
gained upon them, notwithstanding that they had plied the pumps to the
utmost of their strength.

A mute look of despair was exchanged among the crew, but it was followed
up by curses and execrations. Captain Ingram remained silent, with his
lips compressed.

"It's all over with us!" exclaimed one of the men.

"Not yet, my lads; we have one more chance," said Oswald. "I've a
notion that the ship's sides have been opened by the infernal straining
of last night, and that she is now taking it in at the top-sides
generally: if so, we have only to put her before the wind again, and
have another good spell at the pumps. When no longer strained, as she
is now with her broadside to the sea, she will close all up again."

"I shouldn't wonder if Mr Bareth is not right," replied the carpenter;
"however, that's my notion, too."

"And mine," added Captain Ingram. "Come, my men! never say die while
there's a shot in the locker. Let's try her again." And, to encourage
the men, Captain Ingram threw off his coat and assisted at the first
spell, while Oswald went to the helm and put the ship before the wind.

As the _Circassian_ rolled before the gale, the lazy manner in which she
righted proved how much water there was in the hold. The seamen exerted
themselves for a whole hour without intermission, and the well was again
sounded--_eight feet_!

The men did not assert that they would pump no longer; but they too
plainly showed their intentions by each resuming in silence his shirt
and jacket, which had been taken off at the commencement of his
exertions.

"What's to be done, Oswald?" said Captain Ingram, as they walked aft.
"You see the men will pump no longer: nor, indeed, would it be of any
use. We are doomed."

"The _Circassian_ is, sir, I am afraid," replied the mate: "pumping is
of no avail; they could not keep her afloat till day-break. We must
therefore, trust to our boats, which I believe to be all sound, and quit
her before night."

"Crowded boats in such a sea as this!" replied Captain Ingram, shaking
his head mournfully.

"Are bad enough, I grant; but better than the sea itself. All we can do
now is to try and keep the men sober, and if we can do so it will be
better than to fatigu