THE WILD-FOWLER IN A GALE. 210 



strang-er to tlie sport, I observed the sky wore a fiercer aspect, and 

 therefore deemed it prudent to abandon the pursuit, and make sail 

 for a safe harbour ; when, soon after putting* about, a very inviting- 

 shot at some widgeon which lay in our course, tempted me to 

 uncover the stanchion-g'un once more, draw the large shot from the 

 barrel, and substitute smaller. This done, I gave my friend the 

 chances of the shot; and the birds really seemed so tame that we 

 did as we liked with them, and put them up within beautiful range. 

 My friend knocked down exactly a baker's dozen, every one of which 

 we secured without difficulty. 



The excitement of the scene had drawn attention from the gale, 

 now rapidly bearing down upon us. I cast an eye to wind- 

 ward, and on seeing the white scud driving fiercely across the sea, 

 and close upon us, I instantly gave directions to "Take in the jib> 

 and set the spit-fire ! Haul down a pair of reefs in the mainsail, and 

 make all snug !" But before these orders could be obeyed, such a 

 squall came upon us as made our little vessel 



" To sliudder aud pause like a frighted steed, 

 Then leap her cable's length." 



It was the first blast of the gale which a few hours previously had 

 been predicted, from a familiar acquaintance with the habits of the 

 fowl which had been so unusually tame and easy of access through- 

 out the whole morning ; and it now raged in right good earnest. 

 We were about ten miles from the nearest harbour, and the wind lay 

 " right on end." With such a prospect before us, and the sea in- 

 creasing every minute, no time could be lost in preparing for a rough 

 passage. A third reef was taken in the mainsail, the foresail close- 

 reefed, the deck cleared, stanchion-gun taken into the cabin, hatch- 

 ways firmly secured, and every precaution taken for guarding against 

 accidents, and preparing to meet the roughest weather. The sea 

 now began to run tremendously high, as harder and harder blew 

 the gale. The wind was bitterly keen ; but cold was unheeded 

 whilst the excitement lasted. We had a safe and sound little vessel 

 to navigate, and nothing bxit good seamanship was required to manage 

 her. But it was desperate work, as she pitched and plunged in the 

 tumbling waves, dashing along and throwing clouds of spray over 

 the whole deck, wetting everything and everybody aboard. So 

 heavy was the gale, and so rough the sea, that it became each man's 

 business to hold on at he best coiUd ; and from my critical position 



