58 
IN FORBIDDEN SEAS 
particularly, as they feared the pounding of the 
wreckage against the side would start a leak, 
and axes were got ready to cut away everything 
hanging overboard. Not being of an excitable 
nature myself, I took things more quietly. It 
struck me that there was no immediate danger, 
and that it would be advisable to save all we could 
for purposes of refitting. The mainmast, broken 
off close to the deck, for instance, would be long 
enough for a foremast. I pointed this out, and the 
general excitement having somewhat subsided, nearly 
everything was got on board. It was fortunate the 
accident happened in the middle of the day ; had it 
occurred at night, the chances are that we should 
have suffered more severely. At the time the 
masts fell, nearly all hands were below, getting their 
dinner. 
Jury masts were rigged out of the foreboom and 
the main-gaff, on which we set some small sails, 
and made towards the land, about 100 miles off. 
The wind which again sprang up, was light but fair, 
and on the third day after our disaster we arrived 
off the small islands at the entrance to Matsu 
Bay. Some native boats towed us into the harbour, 
where we anchored and communicated with the 
authorities in order to be allowed to repair damages 
there. Before leave could be obtained, however, 
it was necessary to make application to the Governor 
of Sendai, so next day I set out with an official to 
make the journey to the city of Sendai, distant some 
twenty-five miles. I was kindly received, and the 
necessary orders were given to supply me with 
workmen and materials necessary for the repairs 
of the vessel. Altogether we were some three 
