A WATERSPOUVT. * 149

clear away the wreckage before the timbers of the craft
should be stove.

During all this time not a breath of air could be felt by
those on board the Progressive Age, and yet the wind was
circling around the wreck with a force so great as to cause
the bellying canvas to give forth thunder-like notes, while
it was being swayed first this way and then that.

«The boats are ready, sir,’ Mr. Bean reported.

“Very well. Hold them alongside. It would be use-
less to make an attempt at boarding until that white squall
passes off. I hardly think there is any necessity of our
paying them a visit; but it seems neighbourly to enquire
if we can lend a hand.”

“Are you going to leave the brig, captain?” Miss
Dunham asked, anxiously.

“Not a bit of it. Mr. Bean will take charge of the
boats,” and then, turning to the first officer, Ben added,
«Six men will be enough for you. If they are in need
of assistance, stand by, and send a couple of men back to
report to me. If not, you may return at once, for I fancy
we shall get wind enough now to satisfy all hands.”

Five minutes later the long-boat and the captain’s gig
were being rowed swiftly across the intervening space of
water, and Ben and the young woman saw the first officer
as he arose to hail when approaching the schooner.

Then came a short delay, during which he was evidently
in conversation with the captain of the craft, who. was
talking with him from the quarter-deck, and, shortly after,
both boats were headed for the brig.