h: "If it wasn't the fear of God in my heart, you
darned neck end, I would kick you. But," added he, "I will not be
provoked into committing what may be considered a sin. We have much
work to do before this passage comes to an end, if ever it does."

"Then do your part," said Jack, "and take no more drink."

Here was sound advice, and it was rigidly adhered to, for the
temptation was removed by the cook slipping the remainder of the
whiskey over the side. Up to that time the men had much to complain of,
as their master had been very little on deck until he was made to
realize that his ship was in imminent peril. They knew pretty well what
he was after, and were glad of the opportunity of making him see that
his well-known skill was required on the quarterdeck. Kept from the
drink he was one of the smartest men that ever took charge of a vessel.
He had been at the helm for nine hours before the leak was found, and
as there was six feet of water in the hold, and a "private leak" which
kept one pump going every hour, he stuck to it for another seven hours,
when the crew called out "she sucks!" i.e., the well is dry. This was
gladsome news. It is gladsome even under favourable circumstances, but
here were men who had stood almost continuously up to the waist in
water; and sometimes a knot of a sea would smash right over them. Their
sleeves were doubled up and they had neither boots nor stockings on.
Their hands were cut and their arms and legs were red raw with friction
and salt water boils. Let him who may estimate the sufferings of these
poor creatures. I cannot, for my vocabulary fails me. Torture does not
describe it; nor yet the sweat of anguish. It was very shocking, and
were it not that I fear to offend the susceptibilities of some folk I
would use a term that might come very near to describing its awful
character. Those who are inclined to think the picture exaggerated know
little of what went on in the much applauded "good old times."

It had been dark for four hours. The clatter of the pumps could only
faintly be heard for the alternate whistling and roaring of the storm.
The combined music had a weird, saddening effect, as if doom were
approaching. A wild and leprous moon sometimes shone through the
troubled clouds of scudding sleet. The sea was white with angry
commotion, and there were no evidences of the turmoil abating.
Immediately the pumps sucked the captain ordered his men to go below
and get something t