210 
LOSS OF THE MAGFIE, 
ward the shore, and about eight miles distant from the CoIo' 
yados. Smith, who had swept the horizon with his glass from: 
the mast head of his charge until the twilight had died into* 
darkness, Avas in his cabin, the mate on deck, the crew talking- 
over past scenes and occurrences, every thing apparently in 
the most perfect security, when an event occurred which I 
well know I cannot paint in the glowing colors the heart- 
rending tale deserves. 
It is requisite here to mention that the schooner had her 
fore-topsail set, the yard being braced for the starboard tack ; 
the foresail was in the brails, and the jib and boom mainsail, 
the latter with the tack triced up, hanging up and down in 
the calm. On the larboard bow a small black cloud had hung 
over the land ; and in tropical climates, almost invariably, the 
clouds settling on the hi] Is is the sign of the land-breeze being ■ 
about to commence. Perhaps many of my readers have not 
been in these climates, where the blessings of the cool night- 
breeze must be felt to be appreciated : generally speakings 
the land-wind comes on in light flaws, until it settles into its 
strength, which is rarely sufficient to drive a frigate at the 
rate of five knots an hour. 
None can guess with what impatience the navigator, who 
has been beating all day against the sea-breeze and current, 
awaits the arrival of his fair wind and cooling breeze, which 
is to give him renewed existence by its bracing qualities, and 
to forward him toward his port. It is a blessing eagerly 
sought after, and heartily welcome when it comes. 
The cloud, which at first seemed only of small dimensions, 
gradually increased ; and the moon, which was shining bright- 
ly just over the vapor, perhaps made it appear darker than 
it really was. The mate looked at the gathering blackness 
without apprehension, although some foreboding of approach- 
ing mischief seemed to render him unquiet and uneasy. 
"'Mr. Smith," said the mate, looking down the hatchway, 
"I think the land-breeze is coming off rather strong, sir ; the 
clouds look very black." 
"Very well," replied Smith, "keep a sharp look out, I shall 
be on deck myself in a moment." 
It is proper for the historian of all misfortunes to show 
how, by cautious attention, such misfortunes might have been 
guarded against. When the mate observed the increasing 
blackness and density of the cloud, he ought to have braced 
the foreyard round, and thus to have prevented the schooner 
being taken aback ; for there are no vessels so ticklish (as we 
