THE VOYAGE 



. A GALE AT SEA. 



11 



of thunder broke and crashed close over our heads, 

 lightning flashed across the dark vault of the heav- 

 ens, hghting up the surface of the water, and making 

 fearfully visible our httle vessel, tossing and pitching, 

 a mere speck in immensity ; and at times an angry ray 

 darted toward the horizon, as if expressly to ignite 

 our gunpowder. We discussed, though rather dis- 

 jointedly, the doctrine of conductors and non-con- 

 ductors, and advised the captain to put a few links 

 of a chain cable round the mainmast, and carry the 

 end of it over the side. We had some consolation in 

 thinking that six hundred kegs were no worse than 

 sixty, and that six would do our business ; but, in 

 fact, at the moment, we were very much of opinion 

 that lightning and gunpowder were the only dan- 

 gers of the sea. The night, however, wore through, 

 and morning brought with it the usual, and, unhap- 

 pily, almost the only change in those who go down 

 to the sea in ships — forgetfulness of past danger. 



On the evening of the seventeenth we passed, with 

 a gentle breeze, the narrow passage known as the 

 Hole in the Wall, and before morning we were ly- 

 ing broadside to the wind, and almost flying before 

 it. The gale was terrific ; nothing could stand up- 

 right to windward, and the sea was portentous. 

 The captain sat under the quarter rail, watching 

 the compass, and turning anxiously to the misty 

 quarter of the heavens from which the winds seem- 

 ed let loose. At breakfast large drops of sweat 

 stood on his forehead ; and though at first unwilling 



