"
Dead against us! then, thought I, the wind had shifted to the
south-west, and my last night's forebodings had been correct.
When daylight at length appeared, I found the wind although not
blowing actually from the south-west, had veered round to the
north-west, a change which was equally disastrous to us, inasmuch
as it was carrying us away from land. Moreover, the ship had
sunk considerably during the night, and there were now five feet
of water above deck; the side netting had completely disappeared,
and the forecastle and the poop were now all but on a level with
the sea, which washed over them incessantly. With all possible
expedition Curtis and his crew were labouring away at their raft,
but the violence of the swell materially impeded their
operations, and it became a matter of doubt as to whether the
woodwork would not fall asunder before it could be properly
fastened together.
As I watched the men at their work M. Letourneur, with one arm
supporting his son, came and stood by my side.
"Don't you think this main-top will soon give way?" he said, as
the narrow platform on which we stood creaked and groaned with
the swaying of the masts.
Miss Herbey heard his words, and pointing towards Mrs. Kear, who
was lying prostrate at her feet, asked what we thought ought to
be done.
"We can do nothing but stay where we are," I replied.
"No;" said Andre "this is our best refuge; I hope you are not
afraid."
"Not for myself," said the young girl quietly "only for those to
whom life is precious.
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