.

It was impossible to heave-to to lower a boat, and poor Toby was left to
his fate. I felt very sad when I found this. I wondered why it was
that I was not taken instead of Toby, but just then I had not much time
for thinking. All on board had work enough to do. The captain gave his
orders in a clear voice, and rope after rope was hauled taut, and the
sails were furled, that is rolled up, except the fore-topsail, which was
closely reefed. With that alone set, we ran before the hurricane. I
had heard that it is always smooth in the Pacific Ocean, but I now found
out my mistake; though perhaps there is more fine weather there than in
any part of the world. I could not tell where we were running to all in
the dark, for we could not see ten yards ahead of the ship, but I
supposed the captain knew; still, after hearing of the many islands and
rocks and shoals in those parts, I couldn't help thinking what would
become of us. The truth was that the captain could do nothing else; he
could not heave-to, and he could not see the dangers ahead, so he had to
trust to God's mercy; and that's what, in many of the affairs of life,
not only sailors but people on shore have to do. I heard him say to Mr
Marston, the first mate, "We've done our best; we are in God's hands,
and He will never desert those who trust in Him."

No one went below, that night, for all knew the danger we were in. On
we flew, hour after hour, the wind in no way falling. I was thankful
when daylight appeared.

Day came on quickly. A hand was now sent aloft to look out for dangers;
the first mate followed him up. Scarcely had he got to the mast-head
than he cried out, "Breakers ahead! breakers on the starboard bow!"

The helm was put to starboard, and the mizen-topsail was set close
reefed; the yards braced up, and the ship's head turned to port, away
from the threatened danger. On she dashed, the sea breaking over the
bows and sweeping across the decks, so that we had to lash ourselves to
the rigging to prevent being carried away. The breakers seemed terribly
close. I could see that if the ship once got among them, she would soon
break to pieces, and not one of us could escape.

The captain stood by the helm quite calm, watching the masts and spars,
and giving a look every now and then at the reef, parts of which we
could see between the white foaming breakers. Slowly it seemed we
passed the reef. He took a long breath when it was at last se