Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-05-02

if an animated creature, breasting surge after
surge, too often in vain, painting, trembling
and battling ill the very last
The captain did not appear satisfied with
taking in the spanker; indeed, all feared
that the ship could not carry what sail was
left Accordingly, be ordered the topsals to
be close-reeted. Yet, even after this, The
vessel tore through the waters as if every
moment she would jerk her masIs out
The wind had now increased TO a perfect
hurricane. II shrieked, howled and roared
around us as il a thousand tiends were abroad
on the blast.
Inmoments OF extreme reri strong natures
gather together, as if by some secret instinct.
II was in this way that the captain suddenly
found himself near the old topman, whom
had been conversing with in the early part
of the evening and who, it appeared. was
one of the oldest and best seamen in the
ship.
The captain stood by the mans side a
full minute, without speaking, looking at
the wild waves that. like hungry wolves.
came trooping down toward US.
How far are We from the coast?' be said
at last.
Perhaps FIVE miles, perhaps three, sir =
quietly replied The man.
And we have long run 10 make before
we get sea-roon,' said the captain.
we shall be IN eternity before morning,
answered the man, solemnlv.
The captain paused a moment then he
replied,
Our only hope is in the topsail-clews-if
they give way, we are indeed lost-God
help usr
'Amenl' | answered, involuntarilv.
Silence now ensued, though none of us
changed our positions. For myself, | was
occupied in thinking of the female passen-
gers soon, perhaps, TO be the prev of the
wild waters. Every moment il seemed as if
tie ,cpsaIls would give way, she strained so
fTigLtiuliy. II was impossible 10 stand up
If exposed 10 the full force of the gale. So
we sheltered ourselves in the waist as best
we could. The wind as well as spray, how
ever, reached US even here, though in di-
minished violence, the latter singing the
face like shot thrown against il. II seemed
TO me each minute. as II we made more lee
way AT last, after half an hours suspense.
heard the surf breaking. with a noise like
thunder, on the lron-bouud coast TO the east
ward. Again and again listened, and each
time the aw.ul sound became more distinct
did not mention MY fears, however. for
still thought might be mistaken. Suddenly
tile caplam looked up.
'llark : he said
lie stood with his finger raised in the att.
tude OF one listening lnrenily, his eyes fixed
on the face OF the old sailor.
1T is the sound of breakers, said the sea-
man.
Breakers on the lee quarter = cried the
lookout al this instant, his hoarse voice
sounding omlnously across the night.
breakers on the lee beam = answered an
other.
Breakers GA the lre-Low echoed a third
All eyes pee:ed immediately into lie dark
ness. \ long liuc ct foam was plaiuly yiS,-
hie, sG:r.ins quite roauI the horizoa II lee
ward.
God have mercy on our souls invol-
unfairly CALCULATED.
The captain sprung 10 the wheel his eve
flashing. hts whole frame dilated-for he
had taken sudden and desperate resolu-
ton. lie saw that. ii no effort was made
We should be among the breakers in twenty
minutes bun if the mainsail could be set,
and made 10 hold for half an hour, we might
vet escaTe. There were nine chances 10
one that lhe sail would split the instant it
was spread, and in a less terrible emergen-
ment but it was now our only hope.
Keep her 10 it = he shouted keep her
well up. All hands TO set the main-course =
Fortunately we were strong handed, so
that it would NOT be necessary 10 carry the
tack to the windlass, notwithstanding the
gale. A portion OF the crew sprung TO man
this important rope the remainder hurried
up the rigging, almost disappearing in the
gloom overhead.
In less than minute the huge sail fell from
the yard, like gigantic puff of white smoke
blown from the top. Ii struggled and
whipped terribly, but The good ropes held
fast.
Brace up the yard-haul out the bowline :"
Numbered the captain.
'Ay, ay, sir and it was done.
Haul aft =
The men ran off with the line, and the
immense sheet came 10 its place.
This was the critical moment. The shin
feeling the additional propulsion, made a
headlons plunge. held my breath. ex-
pected nothing less Than TO see the heavy
duck blown from the yard like a gossamer !;
but the strong fabric held fast, though Strains
ing awtully.
She comes up, don't she 2 interrogated
the captain of the man at The helm.
'Ay, ay, sir-she does "
How much:'
Two points, sir
If she holds for half an hour, calculated
The captain, I'VE may yet be saved
On rushed the noble ship, seeming TO know
how much depended on her. She met the
billows, she rose above them, she struggled
.perseveringy forward. In five minutes the
breakers were visibly receding.
But hope had been given only TO delude
us. Suddenly | heard crack, sharper than
an explosion OF thunder, and simultaneously
the course parted from its fastenings, and
sailed away to leeward, like white cloud
driven down the gale.
cry of horror rose from all. It is over.
cried; and looked around for plank, in
tending 10 lash myself 10 il, in anticipation
of the moment FOR striking.
When the course fell overheard, the head
of the ship fell off Immediately and now
the wild breakers umbled and roared closer
at hand each moment.
Suddenly the captain seized my arm, for
we were holding on almost side by side.
'Ha ! he cried, is not that dai water yon-
der ? and he pointed across our lee-bow
/ looked in the direction to which he re-
lerred. Unless my eyes deceived me, the
long line Of breakers came to an abrupt ter
mlna,ion there, as if the shore curved in
wards at that point.
fou are right-there is deep bay ahead
l cried, Joyfully. Look YOU can see the
surf whitening around the cape