n," as was seen by several
on board the Indiaman, during the interval of the vivid lightning, a
large ship dash by them almost within cable's length, with a single
topsail close reefed running before the gale with the speed of the wind.
It did indeed look like a phantom craft. All was snug on board, not a
soul was in sight, everything battened down, save one dark form
apparently lashed to the wheel stanchions and steadily bent upon keeping
the ship before the storm; it was a sight that added to the terror of
those on board the Indiaman, and its effect was at once visible.

The ignorant and superstitious seamen, ever ready to argue evil from any
strange occurrence, now felt assured of their destruction, declaring
that the strange appearance of the phantom-ship was but a warning to
foretell the fate that was preparing for them. Thus actuated, all
discipline was gone, and no connected efforts were further made to
protect the ship or render her in any degree safer from the power of the
storm. To add still more to the critical condition on board, the ship
after straining and laboring so long, now began to leak and rapidly to
fill. In this desperate state of affairs several of the crew, whose
numbers were already thinned by being washed overboard, got into the
spirit room and in a condition of wild desperation became beastly
intoxicated, resolving to die insensible to danger! and at intervals
their crazy oaths and incoherent songs were heard above the gale.

At this crisis, as is generally the case, two or three sterling spirits
among the crew (and there is never a ship's company without some such
among its members), one, the second mate, and a couple of foremast
hands, came into the cabin and assured the widow and her daughter that
they would protect them to the last, and that they were even now
preparing the long boat with compass, water and food, so that should the
storm abate and the sea become less agitated before the ship should fill
and go down, they might launch it, and with the ladies and such of them
as desired, attempt to save themselves in this frail bark. With
heartfelt gratitude the mother and child accepted their protection and
awaited the crisis; but not without solemnly kneeling together upon the
cabin floor and committing themselves to the care of Divine Providence.

The second mate of the Bengal was the only officer left, but he was a
good sailor, a man of cool nerve and great personal strength. He now
we