On going up I perceived the cable had got out of its sheaves and was running out at great speed.

All was confusion for a few moments.

Mr.Canning, our friend, who was the engineer of the Newfoundland cable, showed great presence of mind, and to his coolness and skill, I think, is due the remedying of the evil.

By rope stoppers the cable was at length brought to a standstill, and it strained most ominously, perspiring at every part great tar drops.

But it held together long enough to put the cable on the sheaves again." "_Tuesday, August 11._ Abruptly indeed am I stopped in my letter.