OR THE DESERT ISLAND. A7

CHAPTER VI.

Storm at Sea — Critical Situation — Noble Devotedness — The Wreck.

Tue merchantmen were re-assembling, and the Achilles’
repairing as well as she could the damage she had sus-
tained, when suddenly a furious tempest arose, which
threatened entire destruction to this shattered and crippled
ship.

Towards midnight she had made so much water that
the whole crew were employed at the pumps; about two
in the morning the wind fell, hope returned to all, and
they flattered themselves that the storm was over. But
an hour afterwards the tempest recommenced, accom-
panied by thunder, lightning and rain; the wind blew so
strong a gale that the mainsheet first, and the other sails
in succession, were obliged to be furled. A fierce squall
struck and nearly capsized the unfortunate ship. The
decks, the hold and the cabins were inundated by the
waves. ‘The vessel lay motionless, and to all appearance
a hopeless wreck ; and the water was making headway with