San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1881-11-24
d.rtpe.s. 4 po..ible s.ill. darker.

the coming stOTm-ssiis shAo" '"s so"se
spars secured, matches examined. boats
made safe for M emergency, and then
all hands took their stations. hoping for
tho best. A bright, long-enduring
fash lighting mp the gloom with pur.
pls hue, making slip, passs ngers, md
crew visible for an infant, and then
leaving the blackness Of the night still
more hideous. A deep, dull! sound from
tie southwark not thunder, for 1t was
continued and increasing, growing
louder and swiftly coming nearer, unit!
with mighty roar, 1t burst upon us.
Up almost to the bursting Of the hrr
ricane upon the brig, no steerage why
could be got upon her; but slight
puff Of air driven before the gale
brought her head around, SO that it did
MT take her all abeam. As it was, she
laid down for M instant, as though
about to go over; but the old vessel was
not so easily overcome, and, rightiue
bravely, she shook the foam
from off her sides and few away before
it. A deluge Of rain accompanied the
wind, and so immense was the body OF
falling water that it threatened to swamp
the ship, and it was only by knocking
planks out of the bulwarks that she
was kept free.
The bowling Of the wind and the
seething Of the rain was deafening-no
orders could be heard, and so through
the long hours, until morning, she drove
along. The light SO anxious'y desired
came at last-not the bright sun, break.
ing through the east, but dull, leaden
day forcing its way through sheets of
rain and driving spray.
Suddenly the rain ceased, veil of
mist was lifted from off the waters, and
right before us, straight in the direction
in which we were running-so close
that the beat of the surf mingled with
the roar of the hurricane-was rocky
coast, lighthouse standing out on q
point few miles ahead, and through
an opening in the rocks could be seen
the raging waters beyond. It was the
Hole in the WALL" on the southwest
point of Abaco. The voice of the
old skipper rang out clear above the
storm: "All hands set the foresail quick,
for your lives depend upon it," and
springing to the wheel, the helm was put
to starboard, bringing the briggs head
off shore to clear the point.
The sail was soon set, and the strug-
gle began. 1t was life or death; one
touch upon those sharp coral rocks and
the voyage Of life was ended. The
passengers mostly were on deck,
holding on and sheltering themselves
as best they could; the sailors in group
under the lee Of the forecastle, looking
out toward the disappointing danger.
The old captain stood to the wheel, his
white locks streaming out to leeward,
his eye ranging from the point ahead
to the foresail, knowing that on that
piece of canvas hung our only chance
of safety.
Collins had stationed himself in the
fore rigging, scanning with fearless
chances the rocks ahead. In an instant
he vas at the captains side. "Capt,
L., the brig is making too much lee
way; she will never clear the point; We
must get the foretopsail on her."
The old man shook his head. sShe
can't stand it, Collins; it would take
her mast out"
"She must stand it, sir; nothing else
will save her."
A moments hesitation, and then the
order was given: Jump up and clear
away the foretop-sail."
Now, sailors are used to obeying or
ders full of peril, climb the shrouds on
dark and stormy nights, to go aloft and
lay out on the yards, the life-ropes slip
perry with ice,and hold on with benumb-
ed hands, certain death bowling round
and beneath them, in single misstep,
and it is but seldom that q sailor hesi-
tates; but here it seemed so impossible
to maintain hold against that raging
tempest that not man stirred. Throw
ing off his pea-jacket Collins sprang in
TO the rigging and began to climb the
ratlines. Men will follow brave lead
M kba crour aeon clu rod close I,ohspd