Although by no means credulous or superstitious, I could hardly resist the belief that this globe of fire, which appeared thus suddenly in the midst of a furious storm, at dead of night, and on a spot where it could not have been placed or kindled by the hand of man, was of supernatural origin.

I shuddered with fear; a strange giddiness came over me; and I had hardly strength to cling to the shrouds as I descended to the deck.
I pointed out the object of my terror to my watch-mate, the French carpenter, who gazed at it earnestly, and then, turning to me, nodded his head emphatically two or three times, like a Chinese mandarin, and grinned.

This pantomimic display was intended to convey much meaning more than I could interpret.

But it convinced me that the carpenter was familiar with such sights, which, perhaps, were not very remarkable, after all.
When the watch was called, I pointed out the fiery ball to Eastman, and to Mr.Adams, the mate, and learned that the object which gave me such a fright was not of very unfrequent occurrence during a gale of wind.

It was known among seamen by the name of CORPOSANT, or COMPLAISANT, being a corruption of "cuerpo santo," the name it received from the Spaniards.
It is supposed to be formed of phosphorescent particles of jelly, blown from the surface of the water during a storm, and which, clinging to the rigging, gradually accumulate, and ascend until they reach the truck.
The mass remains there for a time, and then disappears.