d the ship, and the
raging seas seemed to have gained her as their prey.

"Do you really think she will live through it?" asked David of Harry.

"Yes, I do think so; we've gone through so many dangers, that I can't
fancy that we're to be lost at last," was Harry's reply.

Another and another hour passed away. "Surely the hurricane must come
to an end at last," said David. "Did you ever know one last so long,
Captain Rymer?" he inquired.

"They seldom last more than twelve or fifteen hours, and this gives me
hope that we shall escape," answered their friend. "I see a gleam of
daylight coming through a scuttle. Depend upon it, before long the wind
will begin to fall."

While they were speaking loud cries arose from those on deck. "Breakers
ahead!" shouted the English crew. Directly afterwards there was a
fearful crash.

"We're cast upon a reef!" exclaimed Harry; "perhaps, after all, our last
day is come."

Captain Rymer set an example of coolness to his companions. "Remain
together," he said to Mary and the other ladies, "I will go on deck and
ascertain the state of affairs, and return for you, if there is a
prospect of your reaching the shore. We are in God's hands, and though
we may be unable to help ourselves, let us feel that He will care for
us."

While he was thus speaking, the ship seemed to be lifted by the seas,
and then down she came again with another crash. Just as Captain Rymer
reached the deck, followed by David and Harry, the masts were seen to go
by the board; the ship had struck upon a reef, over which the sea was
driving her, and inside of it the waters seemed comparatively calm.

"Why, men," shouted Captain Rymer to the crew, "I believe if we remain
by the ship we shall all be able to gain the shore in safety." The
Frenchmen, however, did not understand him, and were engaged in
launching the remaining boats. He felt sure that in the raging seas
which surrounded the ship no boats would live.

"Whatever happens, we will remain on board," he said to Harry and David.
"The ship I know is strong, and will hold together till the storm is
abated. Those who attempt to embark now will, I fear, lose their
lives."

In vain he urged the Frenchmen to remain. The English captain alone,
with one of his officers, agreed that he was right. The boats were
lowered and the infatuated men leaped into them. Pierre Lamont had
courageously remained on deck during the hurricane, but he now seemed
in