She was running now with a reefed forestaysail, the sheets flat amidship.

I paid out two long ropes to steady her course and to break combing seas astern, and I lashed the helm amidship.

In this trim she ran before it, shipping never a sea.

Even while the storm raged at its worst, my ship was wholesome and noble.

My mind as to her seaworthiness was put at ease for aye.
[Illustration: Cape Pillar.] When all had been done that I could do for the safety of the vessel, I got to the fore-scuttle, between seas, and prepared a pot of coffee over a wood fire, and made a good Irish stew.