7b THE SEA. 



After making Cape Blanco, the expedition had been ordered to steer due westward to 

 sea for some sixty miles, in order to clear a well-known sand-bank, that of Arguin. The 

 captain, however, seems to have been an ill-advised, foolhardy man, and he took a southward 

 course. The vessel shortened sail every two hours to sound, and every half-hour the lead 

 was cast, without slackening sail. For some little time the soundings indicated deep water, 

 but shortly after the course had been altered to S.S.E., the colour of the water changed, 

 seaweeds floated round the ship, and fish were caught from its sides; all indications of 

 shallowing. But the captain heeded not these obvious signs, and the vessel suddenly grounded 

 on a bank. The weather being moderate, there was no reason for alarm, and she would 



THE RAFT OF THE "MEDUSA." 



have been got off safely had the captain been even an average sailor. For the time, the 

 Medusa stuck fast on the sand-bank, and as a large part of those on board were landsmen, 

 consternation and disorder reigned supreme, and reproaches and curses were liberally bestowed 

 on the captain. The crew wab sot to work with anchors and cables to endeavour to work 

 the vessel off. During the day, the topmasts, yards, and booms were unshipped and thrown 

 overboard, which lightened her, but were not sufficient to make her float. Meantime, a 

 council was called, and the governor of the colonies exhibited the plan of a raft, which was 

 considered large enough to carry two hundred persons, with all the necessary stores and 

 provisions. It was to be towed by the boats, while their crews were to come to it at regular 

 meal-times for their rations. The whole party was to land in a body on the sandy shore of 

 the coast known to be at no great distance and proceed to the nearest settlements. All 

 this was, theoretically speaking, most admirable, and had there been any leading spirit ii> 



