WATERSPOUTS. 
307 
with which we saw them, notwithstanding the 
density of the atmosphere, the farthest could not 
have been many miles distant. In some, we 
imagined we could trace the spiral motion of the 
water as it was drawn to the clouds, which were 
every moment augmenting their portentous dark¬ 
ness. The sense, however, of personal danger, 
and immediate destruction, if brought within the 
vortex of their influence, restrained in a great 
degree all curious, and what, in other circum¬ 
stances, would have been interesting observation, 
on the wonderful phenomena around us, the 
mighty agitation of the elements, and the terrific 
sublimity of these wonders of the deep. 
The roaring of the tempest, and the hollow 
sounds that murmured on the ear, as the heavy 
billow rolled in foam, or broke in contact with 
opposing billows, seemed as if deep called 
unto deep; and the noise of waterspouts might 
almost be heard, while we were momentarily 
expecting that the mighty waves would sweep 
over us. 
I had once before, when seized with the cramp 
while bathing at a distance from my companions-, 
been, as I supposed, on the verge of eternity. 
The danger then came upon me suddenly, and my 
thoughts, while in peril, were but few. The 
danger now appeared more imminent, and a 
watery grave every moment more probable ; yet 
there was leisure afforded for reflection, and the 
sensibilities and powers of the mind were roused 
to an unusual state of excitement by the conflicting 
elements on every side. 
A retrospect of life, now perhaps about to close, 
presented all the scenes through which I had pass¬ 
ed, in rapid succession and in varied colours, each 
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