aded, but when he fired no apparent effect followed. A
third time he fired, but if the shot struck, no damage was to be
perceived. It was now rapidly growing dark, and Mr Willis was becoming
impatient, for uncomfortable doubts began to rise in his mind as to the
possibility of the cruiser of the much-despised enemy escaping after all
from us. Grampus was standing near him. "Here, my man," said he, "you
have the credit of being one of best shots in the ship--try what you can
do in clipping one of that fellow's wings."

The old seaman looked gratified at the compliment, and prepared himself
to obey. First, however, he cast a hurried glance to windward not
altogether devoid of anxiety. I looked in the same direction. There,
gathering thickly and close overhead, was the black mass of clouds which
had long been driving towards us, the seas looking white and more broken
in the increasing gloom. I thought he was about to speak, but turning
to the gun he stooped down, before it and applied the match. Scarcely
had he fired when its report was echoed by a discharge from the
artillery of the clouds, the wind roared in the rigging, the studding
sails, which had not been taken in, were blown away like light fleeces
from a sheep's back and carried far-off before the gale. The
fore-topgallant sail and fore-topsail sheets were carried away; the ship
flew up into the wind, taking the wheel out of the hands of the men,
while she almost broached to, creating a scene of confusion which did
not often occur on board; over she heeled to the blast; sheets were let
fly; the spray in showers broke over her; the voices of Captain Hudson
and Mr Willis were heard above the uproar caused by the dashing of the
sea, the rattling of blocks, and the howling and whistling of the wind,
with the other accompaniments of a sudden squall. When order was
somewhat restored, sail decreased, and the ship put on her former
course, we once more looked out for the chase. Not a trace of her was
to be seen. The dim outline of our two consorts could be perceived on
either quarter. They apparently had been thrown into as much confusion
as we had from the squall, but were once more with diminished canvas
standing in the same direction as before.

"Oh, we shall soon be up with her again," said Mr Willis, who had gone
forward to look-out himself for the chase. "She doubtless lost some of
her spars, if not her masts altogether, in the squall."

"Not so sure