A heavy sea struck us on the broadside, and it was some moments before the ship appeared to recover herself; she reeled, trembled, and stopped her way, as if it had stupefied her.

The first lieutenant looked at the captain, as if to say, "This will not do." "It is our only chance," answered the captain to the appeal.

That the ship went faster through the water, and held a better wind, was certain; but just before we arrived at the point the gale increased in force.

"If anything starts, we are lost, sir," observed the first lieutenant again.
"I am perfectly aware of it," replied the captain, in a calm tone; "but, as I said before, and you must now be aware, it is our only chance.

The consequence of any carelessness or neglect in the fitting and securing of the rigging, will be felt now; and this danger, if we escape it, ought to remind us how much we have to answer for if we neglect our duty.