ouble.

Scarcely had I thus settled this affair than down came the gale on us
with a fury unexpected. I shortened sail, lengthened our hawser to the
utmost, and then went to try and make the ladies comfortable in the
cabin. Still, notwithstanding all my responsibilities and troubles, I
had never before felt so happy and proud in my life.

CHAPTER TEN.

GALE CONTINUES.--MY LADY PASSENGERS.--MY LOYALTY PUT TO THE TEST.--REACH
RHODE ISLAND.--ORDERED TO ESCORT LADIES TO THEIR DESTINATION.--CHASED BY
A STRANGER.--FEARFUL DANGERS.--RUN THROUGH A NARROW PASSAGE.--ANCHOR.

The little schooner kept plunging away through the heavy seas caused by
the gale, with her prize dragging astern. Grampus had got some sail on
her to help her along, but still she not only made us labour much, but
exposed us to considerable risk. This, under ordinary circumstances, I
should not have minded, and of course, except in the case of the last
necessity, I would not have thought of casting her adrift to look after
herself. Night came on, and still there was no chance of the gale going
down. I was much relieved by O'Driscoll ranging up alongside and
hailing me, promising to stay by the prize should I be compelled to cast
her off. Still, as I had taken her, I naturally wanted to have the
satisfaction of bringing her in. As the darkness increased, the gale
blew heavier and the sea ran higher. Still, fortunately, we were able
to keep our course. Hour after hour passed away, the little vessel
plunging bows under, and dragging away lustily at her heavy prize. I
felt that she was straining very much, and on sending below I found that
she was making more water than she ought to have done. Still I held on
with the Crab, hoping that the gale would break. At last it seemed to
have moderated a little, so I left the deck in charge of Rockets, and
descended into the cabin to offer what comfort I could to its fair
occupants. I asked leave to enter. Mrs Tarleton's voice assured me
that I was welcome. I found both ladies sitting on a sofa which I had
lashed close to the table. A swing lamp hung from above. They had
books before them, and were attempting to read. I doubt if they had
made much progress. I told them that I thought the gale was breaking,
and that we might have fair weather again before the morning.

"I trust so, indeed," said Miss Carlyon. "It appeared to me that we
have been in very great danger; even now the vessel seems dr