CHAPTER XXVII.
PLEADING FOR LIFE.
The Pacific is not always calm, but neither is it always stormy.

We think it necessary to make this latter observation because the succession of short-lived gales and squalls which have been prominently and unavoidably brought forward in our tale might lead the reader to deem the name of this ocean inappropriate.
The gale blew itself out a few hours after the destruction of the Talisman, and left the Foam becalmed within sight of Sandy Cove island, almost on the same spot of ocean where she lay when we introduced her to the reader in the first chapter.
Although the sea was not quite so still now, owing to the swell caused by the recent gale, it was quite as glassy as it was then.

The sun, too, was as hot, and the sky as brilliant; but the aspect of the Foam was much changed.

The deep quiet was gone.

Crowded on every part of the deck, and even down in her hold, were the crew of the man-of-war, lolling about listlessly and sadly, or conversing with grave looks about the catastrophe which had deprived them so suddenly of their floating home.