along by the storm hid it. The darkness
was so intense that you could not see the top of the mast, and even on
the deck it was impossible to distinguish objects only a step or two
away. Now and again a flash of lightning showed the foaming breakers
washing over the reefs and the dark outlines of the island beyond them.
Anxiously every eye was turned towards the point of danger.

"We're not two knots away from those accursed islands," said Gray.

"The storm is rising. The sails will be in shreds in a moment. Such
waves I have never seen before," answered Gray.

The ship danced like a nutshell on the raging waters. The bowsprit
raised itself high in the air, while the stern was buried in the trough
of the sea. All clung to the ropes or whatever object presented itself
expecting to be washed overboard, as the boat shook and creaked in its
agony.

Hanging for dear life to the railing near the wheel the Captain looked
upon the uproar of the elements, and must have admitted to himself that
the helmsman's words of accusation were only too well founded. A
frightful cry shook his soul. "Cain, where is thy brother Abel? What
hast thou done with thy brother's child? What judgment will be
pronounced on thee?" Now he did not seek to put the guilt on his
corrupter, his bad angel, but admitted that he was guilty, and despair
almost broke his heart. "There is no forgiveness, miserable sinner,"
whispered the arch enemy. "Thou art a murderer, thy brother's
murderer!" Then came back a happier thought, a picture of his innocent
youth. He saw himself before the miraculous image of the Blessed
Virgin, which he then so often visited. There were the lights of many
candles, and her motherly eyes looking down upon him, and at the foot
of the image written on a little tablet these words: "Mother of mercy,
refuge of sinners: pray for us." Like a friendly star in the night of
awful darkness came this bright picture, and in his agony he cried to
heaven: "O Lord, give me time to repent and atone for my sins."

The vessel swept on. The wind tore the sails to shreds. The sailors
cast the anchor. With a thud it went into the sea, and for a moment
held the vessel.

"Cut the masts," thundered the Captain. The sailors obeyed orders, but
with the first stroke of the ax, above the roaring of winds and waves
came the awful human cry: "The anchor is lost! We're drifting!"

"God have mercy on our souls," cried Green crossing himsel