n of the maintop, a
fine young seaman, who was at his station when the mast went, still
clinging to it. A cask with a line was hove into the sea, in the hopes
that it might reach him, but this the mass of spars and sails rendered
impossible. Murray shouted to him to try and make his way along the
mast.

"No, no!" he answered in return, knowing that he would be washed off
should he venture on the attempt. "Cut--cut!"

The reiterated blows of the butt-ends of the masts allowed of no
alternative. The bright axes gleamed while the seamen rapidly cut the
ropes. As the last shroud was severed the gallant topman waved his hand
a farewell to his shipmates, and a faint cheer reached their ears as the
tangled mass of spars, rigging, and sails, floated away clear of the
ship. They had already, however, committed fearful damage. The
carpenter sounded the well; he reported six feet of water. The pumps
were rigged, and the hands set to work to try and overcome the leak,
while he and his mates went below to ascertain the locality of the
injury the ship had received. Meantime the hatches were battened down
to prevent the water from the seas, which broke on board, increasing the
mischief.

Before long the carpenter returned, his countenance showing the anxiety
he vainly endeavoured to conceal.

"There are more leaks than one, sir, through which the water is rushing
in like a mill-sluice; and it's more than man can do to stop them from
within-board," he said, coming aft to the commander. "You'll pardon me,
sir, but it's my duty to say that unless we heave the guns overboard,
with everything else to lighten the ship, and can get a thrummed sail
under her bottom, she'll founder before the world is many minutes
older."

"Very well, Mr Auger, I'll consider what you say," answered Commander
Babbicome; who, though obstinate and irritable under ordinary
circumstances, was cool enough in moments of danger. Murray, who had
been below, confirmed the carpenter's report. The boatswain was ordered
to get a sail up and prepare it as proposed, while the drummer beat to
quarters. Gladly would the crew have mustered had it been to meet an
enemy, but it was to perform a task the most painful of all to a
man-of-war's man, and one of no small danger.

"Heave the guns overboard!" shouted the commander. "Watch the right
time now."

As the dismasted ship rolled in the foaming seas raging around her,
first the guns on one side were allow