and there was
every indication of a heavy gale. The commander knew that his safest
course would be to run back to Constantinople, but his orders were to
proceed to Balaclava without loss of time. Soon after sunset a heavy
squall struck the ship, followed by fitful gusts, gradually increasing
in strength, while the hitherto calm sea was covered with foaming waves,
through which the _Tornado_ forced her way. Most of the officers were
on deck, for few felt inclined to turn in; the lieutenants stood near
the commander, ready to carry out his orders, while the midshipmen were
collected in a group on the quarter-deck.

"This seems likely to prove a pretty heavy squall," observed Tom.

"You may call it a hurricane, lad, and you won't be far out," observed
Jos Green, who overheard him. "May Heaven have mercy on the unfortunate
vessels caught by it outside the harbour! the holding-ground is none of
the best."

During the remainder of the night the _Tornado_ stood on, a bright
look-out being kept for any vessels which might, rather than trust to
their anchors, be endeavouring to haul off the land; though none but the
most powerful steamers, or very well-handled vessels, could hope to do
so successfully with the fierce gale now blowing. As morning broke, the
high cliffs of the Crimean coast could be seen ahead, while the masts of
numerous vessels were distinguishable rolling from side to side, or
tossed wildly up and down amid the sheets of spray which flew off the
troubled waters. Jack could trust to his engines, and Jos Green, who
was thoroughly acquainted with the entrance to Balaclava harbour,
undertook, if necessary, to carry in the ship, though there was a risk
of running foul of some of the numberless vessels brought up before it.

"Our orders are to go in, and the despatches we carry may be of
importance," observed Jack. The _Tornado_ accordingly stood on; as she
approached, the fearful danger to which the ships at anchor were
exposed, became more and more evident. Over many of the smaller vessels
the sea was making a clean breach, sweeping their decks fore and aft;
several of the larger ones were dragging their anchors; and three or
four vessels had already broken away from them, and were driving rapidly
towards the threatening rocks which frowned under their lee. Steamers
were endeavouring to get up their steam; but too many had been caught
unawares, and before they could get their engines to work, might be