264 
^^bunsby” on sparrows and tailors. 
the fog lifted while we were yet talking, and enabled us 
to discern other objects that established pretty well the 
fact of its being the point, when we at once knew that 
the reef must be but a tide-rip, and so determined to run 
through it. 
“‘I’d trust to the sailing-direction for there being no 
reef off* this point, and run through said the master. 
“ ‘So we will!’ said the captain. ‘Hard up the helm, 
Mr. McCullom, and point her for it. 
“So the helm was put hard up, and in less than three 
minutes more we were entering the threatening streak, 
carrying no bottom at thirty fathoms all the while, and 
with the leaping waters breaking over our bulwarks in 
all directions, and in such quantities as to cause us to 
tremble for the safety of the Vincennes, Jr., whom we 
knew would have to round that same point in a few days, 
and undei’, possibly, similar or worse circumstances. 
Another minute, and the supposed danger was behind 
us, when we again breathed freely, set the topgallant- 
sails, royals, and all studding-sails, and shaped our course 
for lla-ko-da-di at the rate of ten and a half nules the 
hour. It was a strange thing for our old craft to be 
moving at that rate, and I am almost afraid to tell of it; 
but then it must be remembered that we were under all 
sail and steam, and that a rising gale of wind was follow- 
ing us in its squally strength. 
“‘Well! I never seed such cruisin’ as this,’ remarked 
Bunsby, as he turned over his tobacco and looked back 
at the surf-like tide-rip that crossed our track. ‘If the 
Lord, that looks out for sparrows and tailors, a’n’t got 
this old thing under his speacil wing, I don’t know.’ 
