274 MOOSE-HUNTING, SALMON-FISHING, ETC 



a puff of wind was so violent that we were 

 actually, for an instant or so, pressed so firmly 

 against the rigging that we could not move up- 

 wards, may seem exaggeration. Yet I assure 

 you it was a fact. The hurricane had in- 

 creased at such a terrible pace we dare not, 

 nor could we show any sail to it, so that the 

 captain and mate decided " to heave her to," 

 nautically expressed that is, to arrange the 

 sail so that the wind, striking it, will keep the 

 vessel's bow in such a position that her hull 

 escapes its force. That you may gain a still 

 better idea of a hurricane's power, let me tell 

 you that all the canvas we dared show to the 

 monster, and all that was necessary, was a 

 piece the size of two towels, or about 4 

 square feet. 



When this had been secured to the main 

 rigging and the wheel lashed, she rode on 

 that stormy sea like a duck. It was then, 

 and not till then, were we poor drenched 

 souls able to change our clothing. Thankful, 

 I trust, we all were to our Maker, that in His 

 overruling providence we were under the con- 

 trol of an experienced master ; otherwise none 

 of us would have been left to tell this tale. 



