74 
A TORNADO. 
catastrophe. The universal stillness is only broken by 
the solemn preparatory note of distant rumbling thunder, 
accompanied by fitful flashes of lightning. Not long, 
however, does mute expectation wait the imprisoned 
wind rushes through the low, dark portals of that awful 
arch, compressed as it were, and constrained to a hori- 
zontal direction ; its approach is palpable for miles in 
distance, but for a very brief space in time ; levelling all 
distinctions among the o’ertopping waves, by cutting off 
their summits, and carrying them far away in the form 
of “ spoon-drift,” it creates a mist which renders every 
surrounding object indistinct. Meanwhile, the opening 
heavens deluge us with torrents of rain, we are stunned 
with thunder of such depth of tone, blinded by lightning 
of sueh vividness and rapidity of succession, as can only 
be conceived by those who have witnessed the war of 
elements in a tropical climate. The spectator of such 
a scene, let his heart be ever so unreflecting or callous, 
will not fail in this wondrous moment, to bow in spirit 
to the Almighty Ruler, who “ rides the whirlwind and 
directs the storm.” The fury of the tornado lasts but 
a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes, and is followed 
by some hours’ rain ; it then clears up and the tempera- 
ture is delightful. It is usual to prepare for these 
visitants by furling everything, except the foretopmast- 
staysail, or some other head-sail, which flaps idly till it feels 
the first overpowering force of the gust, when it instantly 
bellies forward to bursting, and, aided by the helm, “ pays 
the vessel ofl‘.” She flics before the wind while it lasts, 
