A NIGHT'S PERIL. 149 



wonder is that we lasted so long ; I cannot conceive 

 how it was that the boat kept above water. The 

 sea washed in continually, and we did nothing to 

 oppose its progress. Certain it is that nothing in 

 the history of escapes, with which I am acquainted, 

 was ever more narrow than my own escape ; nor 

 ever did a boat float so exactly up to the indispens- 

 able point. 



From the stupor of despair I was aroused by the 

 report of a musket ; it was enough to break the 

 spell and re -awaken the love of life within us. 

 Somebody was near, and we might yet be saved. 

 Another, and another report followed, and a blue 

 light blazed forth. We then distinctly saw, and not 

 very far from us, a brig hove to, and, as we had not 

 the least doubt, making signals to us. Joyously we 

 sprang to renewed life and hope. We again loaded 

 our pistols and answered the signals of our unex- 

 pected deliverer. To our unspeakable joy these 

 were perceived, and soon we saw the brig fill her 

 sails and bear away after us. Our plight was yet 

 bad enough. We certainly were above water, and in 

 sight of succour ; but it was very doubtful whether 

 we should be able to last long enough to avail our- 

 selves of the assistance that approached. Our gun- 

 wale was nearly level with the water, and in a few 

 more minutes would be submerged. Oh ! how did 

 we long to be able to throw overboard every weighty 

 article, and yet we feared to stir lest we should 



