go THE CALL OF THE SEA 



going the faster, when suddenly there seems to be 

 a hush, almost a lull, in the uproar. You look 

 astern and see a wall of water rising majestically 

 higher and higher, at the same time drawing 

 nearer and nearer. Instinctively you clutch at 

 something firm and hold your breath. Then 

 that mighty green barrier leans forward, the ship's 

 stern seems to settle at the same time, and, with a 

 thundering noise as of an avalanche descending, it 

 overwhelms you. Of course, the ship's way is 

 deadened ; she seems like a living thing over- 

 burdened, yet struggling to be free ; and well it is 

 for all hands if the helmsman be able to keep his 

 post and his wits about him. For if he be hurt, or 

 have fled from the terrible wave, it is an even 

 chance that she "broaches to," that is to say, 

 swings round broadside on to the next great wave 

 that follows relentlessly its predecessor. Then, 

 helpless and vulnerable, she will most probably be 

 smashed up and founder. Many a good ship has 

 gone with all hands to the bottom just as simply 

 as that. p Y. Btillen. 



The Fleet in a Squall 'C^ <:> 

 (From Roderick Random) 



"l^rE got out of the channel with a prosperous 



breeze, which died away, leaving us becalmed 



about fifty leagues to the westward of the Lizard ; 



