The Democratic advocate., 1873-11-01

standing in the narrow companionway
glanced cautiously forth.
The heavens were entirely obscured not
a star or ray Of light was visible, except
the vivid flashes of lightning which lit up
the dark background with an intense glare
followed by the low mutter and growing
of the distant thunder, and darkness ten
times more profound than before the flash.
The sea was rising rapidly, and occasionally
the white crests of an angry billow could
be seen looming up in the darkness as it
hissed and frothed alongside. With an
anxious ear | listened to the howl and rush
Of the gale, as it whistled through the rig
ging, and the mournful crcaking of the
spanker gaff as it swung to windward
Both officers and men were busy taking
in sail, while the Sultan darted forward,
rushing at a mad pace through the dark
ness and gloom. As half crawled, half
reeled back to my stateroom, / thought
with a shudder Of the awful fate that would
await me in case Of any accident happen
ing to the ship. My mind was haunted
with strange forebodings as | again sought
my pillow, which the soothing effect of
slumber could scarcely drive from my
brain.
| was suddenly aroused by shock
which threw me with violence from my
berth, while the crash of falling spars,
mingled with cries of agony and shrieks
for help, penetrated even to my state-room.
A series of sudden jars followed one
another in rapid succession, and with
difficulty succeeded in forcing back my
state-room door, As | did so, a vast
column of water poured down through the
cabin sky-light, causing me to scramble
hastily across the cabin and crawl up the
after companionway.
As | reached the door, terrible spec
tacle was before me. By the awful glare
of the lightning | was able to snatch
momeutary glimpses of the scene. The
Sultan, while running before the gale, had
struck on coral reef the whole forward
portion of the ship being forced over the
narrow neck upon which the after part was
resting, All three masts had gone by the
board and the watch on deck, being for
ward at the time, as well as the unfortu-
rate men who were below in the forecastle,
were swept into eternity without moments
warning.
With an anxious eye peered through
the darkness, but could see naught but the
white crests of the mighty rollers that
chased one another in quick succession,
while the boom and roar of the breakers
fell upon my ears, as though rejoicing over
the havoc aud ruin they had helped to
bring upon the once staunch and noble
Sultan.
rushed back to the cabin, which was
rupidly filling with water My only thought
was to free myself from the internal bands
that rendered me incapable Of helping my
self. | was well aware that the irons,
arms, etc, were slowed away in the cap
tain's room for safety in case they should
be wanted, therefore, naturally supposed
that the key must be there also.
After great deal of trouble succeeded
in lighting a candle mot without stopping
ut times and listening to the dread sounds
raging about me;) then commenced the
search upon which depended my life OF
death. Keys found in profusion, but
not the right one. well nigh despaired
of success, when espied small dark OBJ
ject hanging from hook over the head
of the captains berth. 1t proved to be
the key | was after, and with renewed
hope tugging at my heart, | made haste to
insert it in the socket. | worked with
patience and caution spurred on by fear
BY means of my teeth | succeeded finally
in turning the instrument, the spring few
back and | was free.
| again rushed on deck and lashed my
self securely, waiting anxiously for day
light to dawn. Each minute | expected
the shell would 60 to pieces, and my body
be dashed with irresistible force upon the
sharp jagged edges Of the rock. But
fortunately for me, the gale had reached
its height, and | could perceive that itwa'
growing less intense in its fury.
As morning dawned, the breakers grad
ually died away to low moan, and the
gale had calmed down to stiff but stead,
breeze.
With n prayer of gratitude trembling OF
my lips at my narrow escape, cast myself
loose, and cautiously groped around, hop
ing to find some one who had been as for
tunatc as myself. Stumbling over some
thing near the pumpkin bits, found, OF
examination, that it was man, and as j
grew lighter, | was at last enabled to max
out the features OF Watson.
Although he deserved but little care OIL
pity at my hands, still could not see
human being suffer and die while wa
able to render any assistance, even if tina
human being was my worst enemy.
chafed his hands, brought some brand,
from the cabin and poured it down hi
throat, which had salutary effect, an
seeing he would soon recover, | left him
while l surveyed the situation on all sides
The reef was narrow, but Of considera
bic length, and the stern of the Sultan wa
wedged firmly in between two walls 0
coral. Away, as far as the eye coul
reached, long, low, black streak was Wis
Bile. To an inexperienced eye, it woul
have passed for a cloud lowering on tn
horizon, but knew that it was land, an
as | turned toward the poop again, m
J eyes suddenly rested on the light, fas
, sailing gig that was lashed firmly to th
eye-bolts along the break of the house.
, 1t was comparatively an easy job
f swing the light boat over the side by tn
means of tackles, which l rove for th
, purpose Watson was sitting up, watchin
! me with a listless apathy. His spirit
/ nerve and brute strength appeared to hay
: deserted him. In answer to my questio
as to how he felt, he replied that his hea
!, ached, and his body was so sore that J
I could scarcely move.
l To my intense satisfaction, | soon ha
o the boat in the water, floating lightly alon
4 side. The mast was soon stepped and
sail rugged, while two pairs Of oars 10
] ready for use. In as few words as pos
v bic | told Watson my plans, pointing OF
o the loom Of the land in the distance.
a With wild, eager expression, he CLAN
c ed earnestly in the direction pointed ou