There is perhaps no place where the burial service has a more impressive effect than at sea; and in the present instance the grave demeanour of the whole crew attested that it was so.

The day too was gloomy, and in keeping with the solemn scene; while a fresh breeze gave the ship a steady keel.

Occasionally the beautiful prayers were interrupted by the roar of the foaming waters as the ship plunged onwards; then swelling on the breeze and mingling with its wailings they were wafted, we would fain hope, to that peaceful home to which we were sending our shipmate.

A chilling plunge announced his passage into the mighty deep, leaving no trace to mark the spot on the wave, which swept on as before.
The wandering and strange life of the deceased became the theme of conversation during the day, and many interesting anecdotes were recalled.

On one occasion he had passed a few days in a vessel that had been turned bottom up in a squall, but which, luckily, having a light and shifting cargo, floated.