to which a dark
column, extending downward to the sea, appeared to be attached. This
column was quite narrow at the base, but enlarged as it rose, until just
below the point of union with the cloud, it spread outward like a gothic
pillar, diverging into arches as it meets the roof. I surveyed this
strange spectacle for several minutes before its true character occurred
to me. It was already observed by those in the canoe, and from their
exclamations and gestures, they evidently viewed it with apprehension
and dread.

It was moving slowly towards us, and we also watched, with feelings in
which alarm began to predominate over curiosity and interest, the
majestic approach of this vast body of water, (as we now perceived it to
be), held by some secret power suspended between heaven and earth.

"It appears to be moving north before the wind," said Arthur, at length;
"if it keeps on its present course, it will pass by, at a safe distance
on our left."

This seemed probable; but we felt disposed to give it a still wider
berth, and shifting the sail, we steered in a north-easterly direction.
Scarcely had our sail filled on the new tack, when a cry of terror again
drew attention to the canoe, and the natives were seen pointing to
another water-spout, moving slowly round from the east to the north, and
threatening to intercept us in the course we were pursuing. This,
unlike the first, was a cylindrical column of water, of about the same
diameter throughout its entire length, extending in a straight and
unbroken line from the ocean to the heavens. Its upper extremity was
lost amid a mass of clouds, in which I fancied I could perceive the
effects of the gradual diffusion of the water drawn from the sea, as it
wound its way upward with a rapid spiral motion, and poured into that
elevated reservoir. As the process went on, the cloud grew darker, and
seemed to stoop with its accumulating weight of waters.

Our position was fast becoming embarrassing and dangerous. We had
changed our course to avoid the first water-spout and now we were
confronted by another still nearer at hand.

For a moment all was confusion, indecision, and dismay.

"Quick! round with her head, and let her go right before the wind!"
shouted Max hurriedly.

"That would be running directly into the danger," cried Morton, "they
are both moving north, and approaching each other."

"Then let's pull down the sail, until they are at a safe distance."

"