al in port. This is
pointed out again and again to them without effect. The sea throws its
dead by dozens on our shores every gale that blows, crying out, `Look
here at the result of economy and selfishness!' Goods to the extent of
thousands of pounds are destroyed annually, and the waves that swallow
them belch out the same complaint. Even the statistics that stare in
the face of our legislators, and are published by their own authority,
tell the same tale,--yet little or nothing is done to prevent misers
from sending ships to sea in a totally unfit condition to face even
ordinary dangers. Bah! the thing is past remedy, for the men who should
act are deaf and blind. Mark my words, Captain; if we don't weather the
South Foreland before ten o' the clock this night, the `Trident' will be
a total wreck before morning."

The passenger turned on his heel with an angry fling and went below,
while the Captain, who was somewhat overawed by his vehemence, walked
aft to converse with the pilot.

The gale soon burst on the ship, sending nearly all the passengers
below, and compelling the Captain to reduce sail. Darkness overspread
the scene, and as the night wore on, the gale increased to such a degree
that the ship laboured heavily. Soon the lights on the South Foreland
were descried and passed in safety.

"Get the anchors clear," said the pilot. "Ready about there!"

No one ever knew the reason of the order given at that time. Perhaps
the pilot thought he was a little too near the land, and meant to haul
off a little; but whatever the reason might have been, the command was
only half carried out when the sheet of the jib gave way; the loosened
sail flapped itself to shreds in a second, and the ship, missing stays,
fell off towards the shore.

"Better wear ship," cried the Captain, springing in alarm to the pilot's
side.

"Too late for that. Shore's close under our lee. Let go the anchors!"

The shout with which the command was given proved the necessity of its
being instantly obeyed; but the men needed no urging, for at that moment
a temporary lull in the furious blast allowed them to hear the roaring
of the breakers at the foot of the cliffs.

Two anchors were at once let go, and the ship was brought up with a
tremendous shock.

And now commenced that prolonged struggle for life which is, alas! too
often the lot of those who venture out upon the stormy sea. Yet it was
some time before the passengers of t