220 



THE ALBATROSS. 



stanchions; they crowded the rail — where any 

 rail remained ; they swarmed in a many-tinted 

 flock upon the shattered skylight ; they lit upon 

 our heads and shoulders. It was calm because 

 we were then in the centre of a revolving storm. 

 The birds had sought its centre by instinct. 



At half-past four the wind began blowing again 

 with terrific force from the west. The starboard 

 rail and the one boat left on the cranes went 

 under water. When the ship began to rise it 

 took the boat off. We had the full power of the 

 hurricane until noon the next day, and all that 

 while we were entirely helpless and lay at the 

 mercy of the winds and waves, all hands aft under 

 the house for safety. 



Now, ever since the storm began, my wife and 

 children had been lying below in her stateroom in 

 utter darkness. It was impossible to keep a light 

 burning ; and when the mizzen-mast went over 

 the side, it smashed the skylight and we had to 

 batten it down as you do the hatches. 



Every little while I would go below to the 

 cabin and ask Mrs. Robbins if she wanted me to 

 stay with her, but she insisted I must remain 

 on deck. 



" We are safe in God's hands," she said, " and 

 He will care for us and do what is best for us all." 



