therewith I went below and, flinging myself into my bunk, at once
fell into a profound and dreamless sleep that lasted until I was
awakened by the discordant clank of the pumps, about four bells in the
forenoon watch, when I found Miss Onslow patiently awaiting me in the
cabin, with another hot meal all ready for my delectation.

It was apparent to me, immediately upon awaking, that the gale had
broken; and when I went on deck I found that the sky had cleared to
windward, showing here and there fast--widening patches of blue sky,
while the wind had already dropped to the strength of a strong breeze;
the sea, however, showed little diminution of height, although it was no
longer so steep, nor was it now breaking dangerously; but the brig was
rolling as furiously and more sluggishly than ever; and the clear water
that gushed from the pumps told a tale that there was no mistaking. I
noticed that five men were now working at the pumps--the cook and
steward being two of them--and all hands were growling together, and
cursing both loud and deep as they toiled at the brakes.

"Well, lads," said I, approaching them, "what is the news from the
pumps? Is there any hope of getting them to suck?"

"Suck?" exclaimed one of them, in tones of ineffable disgust. "No,
they'll never suck no more in this world. There's up'ards o' three feet
o' water in the hooker, now, and she's gainin' on us at the rate o' two
inches an hour while we pumps at her. She's bound to the bottom, she
is; and I only hopes she'll keep afloat long enough to let us get the
boats afloat without smashin' of 'em to smithereens alongside.
Whereabouts is the nearest land, mister; and how fur off is it?"

"Ask me after I have taken my sights at noon--it looks as though I shall
be able to get the sun to-day--and I will tell you," said I. Then,
finding the men sulky, and quite tired of listening to their curses, I
went aft and relieved the wheel, remaining there until about a quarter
of an hour to midday, when, the sky having cleared, I sang out for
somebody to relieve me while I "shot the sun." It was Harry who came at
my call; and as he took over the wheel he remarked, just loud enough for
me to hear, and staring away to windward as he spoke:

"I've made up my mind, sir; I'm with you and the lidy. I ain't agoin'
to have no more truck with them other chaps; they're no better than
murderers; they've mide up their minds to leave you and the lidy aboard;
and th