The effect of the severe, though just, punishment inflicted on the
boat's crew who had misbehaved themselves under the command of Lord Fitz
Barry was to produce much ill-will among a considerable number of the
crew, increased, as before, by Higson's instigations. The officers were
not aware, however, of what was taking place. The men, although
sometimes exhibiting sulky looks when ordered about their duty,
continued to perform it as usual. The two young volunteers, it
appeared, had been better brought up than the generality of seamen.
Both, from their earliest days, had been accustomed to offer up a prayer
before turning in at night. This practice on board a man-of-war it was
very difficult, if not almost impossible, to keep up. They agreed,
however, that they would steal down when they could to the fore-part of
the orlop deck, and there, in a quiet corner near the boatswain's
store-room, they might have the opportunity of kneeling down together,
and offering up their prayers in silence. This practice they had
continued unsuspected for some time. In those days such a thing was
almost unheard of on board a man-of-war. At the present time, however,
there are not only many praying seamen on board ship, but prayer
meetings are often held, and a very considerable number of some ships'
crews are now able to join them. On one occasion, after it had been
blowing hard, and the lads had been aloft for a considerable time, they
were both very weary, and after kneeling down and offering up their
prayers as usual, they leaned back, sitting on the coils of a cable,
with the intention of talking together. In a short time, however, both
fell asleep. How long they slept they did not know, but they were awoke
by hearing voices near them. Without difficulty they recognised the
speakers. Higson was among the principal of them. They listened
attentively. Had they been discovered, they felt sure, from what they
heard, that their lives would have paid the forfeit. It was proposed to
seize the ship and put the officers on shore, or should they offer any
resistance to kill them, as had in another instance been done, and then
after going on a buccaneering cruise, to carry the ship into an American
port and sell her, the men hoping to get on shore to enjoy their
ill-gotten booty.
A few years before this a large portion of the English fleet had
mutinied, but they had had many causes of complaint; still their crime
was inexcusable. Most of the ringleaders suffered punishment, and the
crews were pardoned. This lesson seemed to be lost, however, upon
Higson and his associates. They had inflamed each other's minds with
descriptions of the pleasures they would enjoy on shore, and of the
hardships they had at present to undergo. The young lads dared not
move. Every moment they expected to be discovered. Some of the
mutineers, more sanguine than the rest, expressed their determination to
wreak their vengeance upon those who had chiefly offended them, and
young Lord Fitz Barry, with several others, were singled out to undergo
the punishment of death. The first lieutenant also was to be among
their victims. The lads could not tell what hour it was, nor how long
they would have to remain in their present position. They dreaded that
the mutineers would instantly go on deck and carry out their nefarious
plans. Young Denham's chief wish was to hurry off and warn those who
had been chiefly threatened. "If the officers have time to show a bold
front, the men will not dare to act against them," he thought; "but if
they are taken by surprise, the mutineers will treat them as wild beasts
treat the animals which they have caught in their clutches, and will be
sure to tear them in pieces. If they once get the upper hand, they will
kill them all, just as they did in the ship I have heard of, when
scarcely one officer was allowed to escape." At length they heard the
morning watch called, and not till then did the mutineers leave the
place. The lads waited till they believed that everybody was on deck,
and then cautiously climbing up the ladder, stole away to their own
hammocks. As the middle watch was only then turning in, they were not
observed, and they lay there till they concluded that all those
surrounding them had gone to sleep. Denham then proposed going and
warning the officers. Ned Davis begged that he himself might go.
"No," said Denham, "I will go alone and tell the commander what I have
heard."
Denham had scarcely got as far as the door of the captain's cabin, now
occupied by the first lieutenant, when the sentry stopped him.
"You cannot pass here," he said, putting him back as he, in his
eagerness, pressed on.
"But I tell you I have a matter of importance to speak to the commander
about," said Denham boldly. "It will be at your own risk if you stop
me."
"You can tell one of the other officers in the gun-room," said the
sentry.
"No; it is for the commanding officer alone," responded Denham. "I will
speak to him only."
Just then the first lieutenant himself appeared at the door.
"I want to speak to you, sir," said Denham eagerly.
"Come in. What is it about?" inquired the first lieutenant.
"If you will go where no one else will hear me, I will tell you, sir."
The lieutenant retired into the inner cabin.
"Now, what is it, my lad?" he asked.
Denham then told him of the plot to which he had become privy, for
taking the ship from the officers. In later days such information would
have been laughed at, but unhappily in those days such occurrences had
become too frequent to allow the commanding officer to disbelieve his
statements.
"Stay here, my lad," said the first lieutenant, "if you go forward
again, and the men suspect you of having informed against them, you will
be among the first victims."
Arming himself with a brace of pistols, and taking his sword in his
hand, he went into the gun-room. He here aroused the officers, and
telling them what he had heard, ordered them immediately to repair on
deck, sending some of them to call up the midshipmen and the warrant
officers. The marines were then ordered to muster on deck under arms,
while several of the petty officers whom it was known could be trusted
were also called aft; a guard was then placed over the magazine, and the
two after guns were hauled in and trained forward. These preparations
were made so suddenly and so quietly that even the watch on deck were
scarcely aware of what was going forward. There was no time to lose,
for while those preparations were going on, Ned Davis, who had been on
the watch, made his way aft with the information that a number of the
men were collecting together forward, armed with all the weapons they
could lay hold of, and that from the threats they were uttering they
evidently intended to make a sudden dash aft, in the expectation of
surprising the officers before they had left their berths. It was very
evident that they would have done so had it not been for the warning
conveyed by Denham.
When the sun, as it does in those latitudes, suddenly burst above the
waters, and darkness rapidly gave place to daylight, the officers and
the marines were found drawn up on the quarter-deck, and the mutineers
who, at that moment, made a sudden rush aft along the main deck, found
themselves confronted by a body of marines, who issued from the
gun-room; others who came along the upper deck also saw that their plot
was discovered, and that they had not a hope of success. The drum then
beat to quarters, and all hands were summoned on deck. The first
lieutenant now stepping forward, exclaimed, "What is it you want, my
lads? if you are treated with injustice, say so. If you have anything
else to complain of, let me know, but, as you see, your mutinous
intentions are discovered, and let me tell you that those who are guilty
will receive the punishment which they merit." Not a man spoke in
return for some time. At length several coming aft, declared they knew
nothing about the intentions of the rest, when it was found that the
mutineers consisted chiefly of the Irish rebels who had been put on
board at Cork, and of a few smugglers and gaol-birds who had been won
over by Higson.
"Some of you will grace the yard-arm before long," observed the first
lieutenant, "but I intend to give you another trial. I have no wish
that any man should die for this day's work, however richly some of you
may deserve it. Those who prove faithful to their duty will find that
they are rewarded, and those who act as traitors to their king and
country will discover, too late, that they will not go unpunished. Now
pipe below."
The mutiny which at first threatened such serious consequences, by the
determination of the first lieutenant was then happily quelled, and the
ship soon after returned to Port Royal. Here Captain Falkner was found
sufficiently recovered to resume his command. The men soon discovered
that he had been informed of the mutiny. He told the men so in very
explicit terms. Adding--
"You have brought disgrace on yourselves, men, and on the ship, in a way
which makes me ashamed of you, but I hope before long, that we shall
fall in with an enemy, and that then I shall find you wipe it out, by
the gallantry of your conduct." The men on hearing these words, cheered
their captain, and from that day forth he had no cause to complain of
the general conduct of the ship's company. They were continually on the
look-out for an enemy's cruiser. Several merchant vessels were taken
and sent into port, and a small brig-of-war was captured, without having
fired a shot in her own defence. The midshipmen were always encouraged
by their captain to exercise themselves by running aloft over the
masthead, and sliding down by the different ropes which led on deck.
Sometimes the game of follow my leader was played; the most active lad
leading the way. Now to the mizen-mast-head, next to the
main-topgallant-mast-head, and so on to the foremast, and finally,
perhaps down to the bowsprit end. Now like monkeys, they were seen to
run out on the yard-arms, and it seemed wonderful that they could, at
the rate they went, escape falling. On one occasion, during a game,
both the midshipmen and the ship's boys were thus amusing themselves.
Several of the top-men were on the main-top-mast yard. A sudden splash
was heard. "A man overboard!" was the cry. Quick as lightning a ship's
boy was seen gliding down a backstay. As he touched the
hammock-nettings, instead of jumping down on deck, he plunged overboard.
"A shark! a shark!" was heard, uttered in tones of horror by several
voices on deck. The order was given to lower a boat. Gratings and oars
and spars were hove overboard. A short way from the ship, a young fair
face was seen floating upwards, while Charles Denham, who it appeared
had sprung overboard, was striking out rapidly towards him. The
attention of all on board was directed to the spot. Had it not been for
fear of the voracious monster of the deep, many might have jumped
overboard to assist, still they shouted and kept throwing in things, to
distract, if possible, the attention of the shark, from the lad in the
water. Denham knowing well the enemy he had to contend with, continued
striking the water with all his might with his feet, as he swam forward,
shouting at the same time. But young Lord Fitz Barry, for it was he who
had tumbled overboard, lay perfectly unconscious, and it seemed too
probable would become a prey to the monster. Already its dark fin was
seen not far off, but the boat had now touched the water, and an eager
crew was pulling towards the lads. Denham's hand was already under the
head of the young lord, whom he supported, while he struck out with his
feet and other hand. A shark, however ferocious, will seldom attack a
person who is in constant movement, and by his shouts and splashing,
Denham thus contrived to keep the monster at a distance. The boat
approached. Those in the bows leant over to drag in the young lord.
"Never mind me," exclaimed Denham, as he helped to lift him into the
boat.
"But we must mind you," answered a man, "or that brute will have you
even now."
Denham's hands were on the gunnel of the boat, when the black fin, at a
short distance off, disappeared under the water. A strong, tall topman
was standing in the boat. He leaned over, and seizing Denham in his
arms lifted him up; but scarcely had his feet got above the surface,
when the monster's enormous pair of jaws were seen to rise close to it.
Young Denham was saved, but few have run a greater risk of losing their
lives. In the meantime the young lord lay unconscious in the bow of the
boat.
"We must get him on board at once," exclaimed the officer who had come
in her. "He is alive though, and must be put under the doctor's care."
The boat immediately returned on board.
It was found that Lord Fitz Barry had fallen upon his side when dropping
into the water, and that the whole of that part of his body was for the
time paralysed. Still, in a short time he returned to consciousness,
but some time elapsed before he had recovered. His chief anxiety seemed
to be to express his gratitude to the lad who had saved him. Denham
modestly replied that he had only done his duty, though he was not
insensible of the young lord's kind feelings.
When Lord Fitz Barry was sufficiently recovered the captain invited him,
as was the custom, to dine at his table, and the subject of his fall was
alluded to.
"If you can do me a favour, sir," he observed, "and in any way reward
the boy who saved my life, I should indeed be grateful. There is
something in him which prevents me from venturing to offer him money. I
am sure he would prize promotion of some sort more than anything else.
He seems to me as he walks the deck to be superior to all the other
lads, and to be more like a gentleman than any of them."
"We will keep an eye on him, Fitz Barry," answered the captain, with a
smile. "I have watched him on many occasions; and if I understand
rightly, this is not the first time he has rendered you a service. What
do you say? Shall we place him on the quarter-deck? What would your
messmates say to that?"
"There is not one of them who would not be pleased, sir," answered the
young lord. "They all think well of him; and since that boat affair,
when, I believe, if it had not have been for him, those villains would
have hurled me overboard, they have all wished that he would get some
reward."
"He was the lad, sir, who gave me the information of the intended
mutiny, so that really, I believe, he was the means of preserving all
our lives, and preventing fearful disgrace being brought upon the
service," observed the first lieutenant.
"Well, I do not like to make such promotions in a hurry," answered the
captain; "but from what I have heard of the lad, if he is found to
possess a fair amount of education, I shall be very glad to offer him
the opportunity of being placed on the quarter-deck."
"But he looks to me such a clever fellow," said Lord Fitz Barry, "that I
am sure he would soon learn to read and write, if he cannot now."
The captain talked the matter over for some time with the first
lieutenant, and it was arranged that the young volunteer should
forthwith be placed in the midshipman's berth. To Fitz Barry's infinite
satisfaction, next morning, after divisions, while all the officers were
assembled on the quarter-deck, Charles Denham was summoned aft.
"Charles Denham is, I believe, your name," said the captain. "You have
on more than one occasion done good service since you joined this ship,
besides which, your general conduct is unexceptionable. The other day,
at the risk of your own life, you saved that of young Lord Fitz Barry.
Now, I believe, had it been the youngest boy in the ship, you would have
done the same; but Lord Fitz Barry is very anxious, as I am, that you
should receive some mark to show you that your conduct is appreciated.
He is not able to reward you himself, I therefore ask you whether for
the future you would like to walk the quarter-deck as an officer.
Through his Majesty's bounty you will have the means of doing so, and I
shall have myself the satisfaction of aiding you to support your new
rank. To no one else need you be indebted, and I hope in a short time
that you will, by obtaining promotion, be independent of any aid beyond
what you yourself can obtain."
Then turning to the midshipmen, he asked them whether they would be glad
to receive the young sailor among them as a messmate. Three cheers was
the answer given by the warm-hearted lads.
"We are very sure that he will not only do us credit, but gain honour
for our berth," exclaimed several of them; and again they cheered their
new messmate warmly.
It would be impossible to describe Denham's feelings, and perhaps few
among them knew how anxious he had been to obtain the rank which was now
bestowed upon him. But few days had passed since Denham had put on a
uniform, and walked the quarter-deck as a midshipman, and yet in manner
and appearance he was fully equal to any of his messmates. He carried
on all his duties with the air of a young officer, and evidently
understood them thoroughly. By his manners and conduct on all
occasions, he quickly won his way in the esteem of his messmates, while
his rise did not excite the envy of those below him. Ned Davis did not
appear to wish to leave the position he himself occupied. Indeed, he
seemed rather anxious to be an humble follower of the young midshipman
than to be raised to an equality with him.
Some months had passed away, and several very gallant actions had been
performed by the officers and crew of the _Cynthia_, mostly in
cutting-out expeditions, when Denham behaved with great gallantry. As
he was much stronger, and more active than Fitz Barry, he always
constituted himself the protector of the young lord whenever it was his
duty to take a part in any of these expeditions.
On one occasion the frigate was off one of the French islands, and in a
harbour protected by a fort on either side, several privateers and other
armed vessels were discovered at anchor. As they were craft likely to
do much damage to English merchant shipping, Captain Falkner resolved,
though it was an undertaking of considerable risk, to cut them out. He
stood off from the land towards evening, so as to give the Frenchmen the
idea that he had gone away altogether. As evening approached, however,
he once more stood back for the harbour. They hoped to avoid the
observations of the sentries in the forts. Full directions were given
to officers in charge of each boat. The larger vessels were to be
assailed first, and two boats were to board one vessel on either quarter
at the same moment. Mr Evans had directed Denham to attack the same
vessel that he proposed boarding. There were six boats, so that three
privateers would be attacked simultaneously. Mr Evans judged, by this
means, that the enemy's attention being distracted, they would be
prevented from coming to each other's assistance. A light breeze blew
out of the harbour, which would enable them, as soon as the cables were
cut, to carry the vessels off without difficulty. Not a word was
spoken. The muffled oars sent forth no sound till the boats pulled up
before the forts. Denham's heart beat high. He knew that he should now
have an opportunity of distinguishing himself, especially under the eye
of the first lieutenant, who had hitherto always proved his friend.
Gradually, through the gloom of night, the masts and spars of the
vessels to be attacked rose up before them. Leaving the line, he
followed the boat of the first lieutenant towards a large brig which lay
moored furthest out in the harbour. They were on the point of hooking
on when shouts arose from her deck. They found that they were
discovered; but this did not hinder them from an attempt to board.
Before the Frenchmen could tell which part of the vessel they were about
to attack, they sprang up the sides of the brig, and threw themselves on
board. Part of the French crew having had no time to arm themselves,
fled before them to the fore-part of the vessel, where, however, having
rallied, they again rushed aft, and a furious hand-to-hand encounter
took place. Fitz Barry had followed Denham on board, and the young
lord, pistol in hand, was advancing by the side of his messmate. Led by
Mr Evans, the English crew dashed forward till they reached the
forecastle, where the French, apparently determined to resist to the
last, fought bravely. Once more they pushed the English hard.
Pistol-shots were rapidly exchanged, and the clash of cutlasses was
heard, echoed from the decks of the other vessels, which were now also
fiercely attacked. Some of the French crew who had gone down below now
appeared on deck fully armed, and it appeared very doubtful whether even
English courage, and English determination, would succeed in overcoming
the enemy. The struggle continued. Again the enemy, led by a huge
Frenchman, who appeared to be one of their officers, drove back the
English some feet along the deck. He had singled out Mr Evans, the
first lieutenant, apparently with the intention of cutting him down,
being evidently himself a first-rate swordsman. Already the English
lieutenant's guard was thrown down, and the Frenchman had lifted his
cutlass and was about to bring it down on his head, when Denham sprang
forward and discharged his pistol at the Frenchman. The bullet struck
him on the right arm and the weapon fell to the deck. Mr Evans,
recovering his sword, gave him a thrust, which sent him backwards among
his men. The fall of their leader discouraged the French, who giving
way, the English found themselves in possession of the brig. The cable,
as had been agreed upon, was immediately cut. Hands were sent aloft to
loose the fore-topsail, and the head of the prize coming round, she was
steered out towards the mouth of the harbour. Denham now had time to
look around and ascertain what had become of Lord Fitz Barry, who was
nowhere to be seen. He made inquiries of the men to learn when they had
last seen him. No one knew. They had observed him on deck standing
close to his brother midshipman, but after that, no one could give an
account of him. Denham began to be greatly alarmed, fearing that the
young lord had been thrown overboard, or that he might in the melee have
fallen down below; but at that moment he was unable to make any further
inquiries; for, as the mouth of the harbour was approached, the forts on
either side opened their fire on the prize. Although the brig offered a
better mark than the boats would have done, still, as the night
continued very dark, and no noise was made on board, the gunners in the
forts could not ascertain in which direction to fire. The French
prisoners were as eager as the English to keep quiet, because the shots
which fell on board were as likely to injure them as to hurt their
captors. The same reason perhaps prevented them from attempting to
regain the vessel while the English were engaged in steering her out of
the harbour. At length she was got clear and stood for the frigate,
which now showed a bright light for her guidance; the firing having
given her notice that the exploit had been attempted, although Captain
Falkner, at that time, could not have told whether it had been
successful or not. Mr Evans now directed that the lantern should be
lighted, in order that the French prisoners might be secured, and that
it might be seen what damage had been done to the vessel. While going
round the decks with a lantern, Denham discovered between the guns the
form of his young messmate. A feeling of dread came over his heart.
Could he have been killed and fallen down there? He lifted him up, and
anxiously examined his countenance.
"Speak, speak. Fitz Barry," he exclaimed eagerly. "Do tell me if you
are hurt, or where you have been wounded."
"Yes, I am hurt, somewhat badly I am afraid," answered Fitz Barry, at
length, in a faint voice. "I was thrown down there by the Frenchmen we
were fighting with, and I was unable after that to move. I did not like
to cry out, remembering that we were passing the fort; and soon after
that, I suppose, I fainted."
"I thank heaven that you are able to speak thus," said Denham, "and we
shall soon be on board the frigate, and the doctor will look to your
hurts."
Mr Evans had the satisfaction of observing two other vessels following
him out of the harbour, while a bright light which burst forth some way
up it showed that the other boats had had time to set some merchantmen
on fire. War is a fearful thing at all times, but more sad even is it
when it compels the destruction of private property.
No one, however, would have objected to the destruction of privateers.
It is pretty well agreed they partake more of the character of pirates
than honourable combatants; their only object is to rob the merchantmen
of the enemy, so as to become themselves the possessors of their rich
freight. They do not fight for honour or glory, and they care as little
for the good of their country. It is true, however, that the
privateers, by injuring the commerce of the enemy, frequently make that
enemy more anxious to come to terms, but in most cases both parties are
engaged in the same infamous system; both equally suffer, and both
increase the horrors and sufferings of warfare.
When morning dawned, the prizes were found collected round the frigate.
Denham's first care was to get the wounded young midshipman conveyed on
board, that the doctor might immediately look at his hurts. He did not
attempt to conceal his sorrow and anxiety. He seemed to feel that it
was from his carelessness by some means or other the poor lad had been
injured. Mr Evans had a very different account to give of him,
however, and at once generously informed Captain Falkner that it was to
his nerve and courage that he himself owed his life.
The Frenchmen were removed on board the frigate, and an English prize
crew being placed on board each of the prizes, they and their captor
steered a course for Jamaica. Captain Falkner offered to place Denham
in command of one of the prizes, but his anxiety for young Lord Fitz
Barry made him beg that he might be allowed to remain on board the
frigate.
A considerable time had passed since the arrival of the _Cynthia_ on the
station. A season dreaded by all navigators of those seas was now
approaching--the hurricane season. Fearful is the devastation often
produced on shore and on the ocean at that period. Not many years
before several line of battle ships and other vessels had either
foundered with their crews, or had been driven on shore, where the
larger number of the men belonging to them had perished. Captain
Falkner was anxious, therefore, to get back without delay to Port Royal
harbour. They were, however, within a couple of days' sail of Jamaica
when the frigate was becalmed; during the middle of the day, although a
thick mist overspread the sky and hid the rays of the sun, the heat was
excessive. Below the ship was like an oven, on deck not a breath of air
was to be obtained. The men, in their white shirts and trousers, moved
languidly about, literally gasping for breath. The sails hung uselessly
down against the masts, and the frigate's head went slowly round and
round, now pointing in one direction and now in another, though it was
difficult to say by what power she was moved.
The heat affected young Barry greatly. Denham sat by his side whenever
he could leave his duty on deck, anxiously watching his friend. Ned
Davis also came where the wounded midshipman lay, and begged that he
might be allowed to take Denham's place by his side. It was curious to
observe how Denham had won the lad's affection and admiration. There
seemed to have been no previous tie between them; they had met, it was
understood, for the first time as shipmates on board the merchantman
from which they had volunteered, and it was possible neither of them
knew much about each other's previous history. No nurse could have
administered the medicine prescribed by the doctor with more care and
regularity than did Denham and his volunteer assistant.
"I hope I shall not die," said Fitz Barry, taking his hand, "I want very
much again to see my kind father, and my dear little sister Nora, whom I
have told you about, and my cousin Sophy; and do you know, I think I
shall see them before long. The last letter I got from home, my father
told me that he expected to obtain an appointment as governor of one of
the West India islands. It is not a thing he would have accepted under
ordinary circumstances, but the truth is, I suspect, that it has been
very expensive living in Ireland for the last few years, and he thinks
it will be wise to economise a little. I do not know much about these
things; he has supplied me liberally with money, and that is all I have
to think about. I believe Captain Falkner expects to see him out here,
for he spoke of him the other day, and you know, I do not mind telling
you, that I believe our skipper is going to marry Sophy one of these
days. I am sure you would like her and my sister if you ever were to
see them. I do not know which you would like best. Nora is a very
sweet little girl, or at least, by the bye, she must have grown since I
left home a good deal. She is older than I am rather, and so fair and
gentle, but she has not the spirit of Sophy, or her cleverness; Sophy is
a wonderfully clever girl, she draws so well. She used to make such
beautiful portraits of people. However, I must not praise her too much,
or you may possibly be disappointed."
Denham told Fitz Barry that he should very much like to be introduced to
his relations; "but you know," he observed, "I am afraid they will think
very little of me when they hear that I was a boy before the mast. I
tell you, Barry, we are messmates, and therefore it is right that we
should be equal; but from what I have learned, that will not do on
shore; people think there a good deal about the difference of rank, and
if I was to make my appearance among some of those great people, they
might treat me in a way that I should not at all like. I have become
very proud, I am afraid, since I have been placed on the quarter-deck,
not for myself, perhaps, so much, but for the honour of the rank I bear,
for the cloth, even though I am as yet but a midshipman."
Fitz Barry smiled faintly, and answered languidly, "O, no fear of that;
I am sure my father and Sophy are not a bit proud; and as to Nora, I
don't think she has a particle of that sort of thing in her; so when
they come, you must promise to let me make you known to them."
Denham did not wish to appear to refuse his friend, at the same time he
resolved not in any way to push himself forward. The conversation
appeared to be doing Fitz Barry good. Though severely injured by the
thrust of a pike in his side, and a blow on his head, which had knocked
him down, the doctor assured Captain Falkner that he did not consider
the boy's life in any peril.
Captain Falkner and Mr Evans were holding a consultation on the deck.
Directly afterwards the latter shouted, "All hands on deck, and shorten
sail."
The men came rapidly tumbling up from below, some looking round
astonished at hearing the order, seeing that the dog-vane was still
hanging up and down the rigging. They sprang immediately aloft and the
sails were rapidly furled.
"Starboard the helm," shouted the lieutenant, gazing round the horizon
as he did so. "Closely reef the fore-topsail," he added; "man the
fore-topsail braces."
The fore-topsail was the only sail now set. At that instant a dark line
was seen sweeping rapidly over the water. As it approached it seemed to
rise as it were above the surface and break into feathery-topped seas.
On it came. A fierce blast struck the ship on the starboard side, and
she heeled over till the guns on the other side dipped in the water.
Quickly recovering herself, however, the fore-topsail being braced sharp
up, her head "paid off" before the wind. Once more the topsail was
squared, and away she flew before the wind. Wonderful was the change.
A few minutes before the sea appeared as smooth as polished glass; now
it was one mass of broken waves, leaping and dancing madly around. On
flew the frigate. The captain and master went below to examine the
chart, and to see the direction in which she was driving. It might have
availed them little, however, for it seemed impossible to steer her
during the fierce gale which blew in any other direction than directly
before it. On she went, the wind rapidly increasing; the seas rose
higher and higher, and in a short time a fierce hurricane was raging.
The stern-ports were secured, the hatches were battened down, and every
preparation made to prepare her for the worst. Probably in a short time
she would not be able to run before the gale.
"We have a clear sea before us," observed the captain to the master, as
they leaned over the chart to which the former pointed; "that, unless
the wind shifts, gives us a better hope of escaping. The ship, too,
considering the number of years she has been at sea, is in a good state,
and I do not think we need fear her springing a leak."
The master seemed to agree with Captain Falkner, and once more they
together returned on deck.
Denham, all the time he had been in the West Indies, had never
encountered such a hurricane. He gazed with admiration, allied with
awe, on the vast seas which now rose up on every side around them. The
stout frigate was tossed about as if she had been a cockle-shell, yet on
she flew unharmed, now sinking into the deep trough of the sea, now
rising to the summit of a mountainous billow.
"I wish Fitz Barry had been able to come on deck; he was saying the
other day how he should like to witness a real hurricane," he observed
to one of his messmates.
"Oh, Fitz Barry fancies a great many things; but I wonder whether he
would like the reality of this," was the answer.
"He has as brave and true a heart as ever lived," answered Denham
warmly. "Depend upon it, there is more in him than some of you
suppose."
"Considering that he is a lord he is all very well," answered Denham's
messmate. "In my opinion he has been over-petted and spoiled."
The frigate flew onward on her course. Provided none of her rigging
gave way, and no leak was sprung, it seemed probable she would escape
without any misfortune. But everything at the present moment appeared
to depend upon the rigging and the seaworthiness of her hull. Still the
captain and his officers often looked anxiously around. The fury of the
hurricane was evidently increasing; it had not yet got to its height.
The fore-topsail had hitherto stood, but as it tugged and tugged away it
seemed as if it would fly from the bolt-ropes. The first lieutenant
anxiously watched it. Should it be carried away it was scarcely
possible that another could be set, and though the ship might still scud
under bare poles, there was a great risk of her broaching to, and if so,
the seas breaking over her sides might disable her completely. Suddenly
there was a loud clap like that of thunder, and what looked for the
moment like a white cloud was seen carried away before the blast. It
was the fore-topsail which had been blown from the bolt-ropes. The few
shreds that remained were quickly wrapped round and round the yard,
whence it would be no easy matter to cut them. Still the ship went on
under bare poles. At length night approached, and as darkness came on
the danger was greatly increased. Even flying as she was before the
wind those on board could scarcely keep their feet, and more than one
remarked, "What must it be for poor people on shore? Why, half the
plantations in Jamaica will be carried away."
"Worse still for those at sea who are on a lee shore," observed Mr
Evans. "Let us pray that we may not find ourselves in that position."
The men generally behaved very well during the awful scene, but there
were some skulkers who went below to hide themselves away. Among them
was John Higson. He had been bold and boasting in fine weather, but he
now showed himself to be the coward he really was. The second
lieutenant, going his rounds on the lower deck, found him stowed away,
hoping to be out of sight, with two or three others of the same
character. He instantly ordered them up on deck to do their duty,
though they very unwillingly obeyed.
"Do you think that the hurricane will soon be over, master?" asked
Captain Falkner.
"Not for some hours, I fear," answered the master. "I have known such a
one as this last twenty-four hours at least, and wonderful was the
mischief it did in that time. However, as long as we can keep her from
broaching to, we shall do well enough."
While he was speaking there was a fearful crash. Loud shrieks were
heard. The main-yard had been carried from the slings, as it fell
crushing several persons who stood below it.
Several of their messmates rushed to the spot to aid them. Four or five
were killed, and others were sadly mangled. Still the frigate drove on.
"A sail ahead," shouted the look-out.
Glasses were turned in that direction, and a large ship was seen now
sinking in the trough of the sea, now rising to the summit of the waves.
"She is a line-of-battle ship, I think," said Mr Evans to Captain
Falkner, "and from the way she is rolling I fear she is in a bad
condition."
The blast which had carried away the frigate's main-yard appeared to be
the last effort of the hurricane. The wind began to subside almost as
rapidly as it commenced. In a short time, although the sea continued
raging fiercely, the wind had dropped to a moderate gale. The wreck of
the yard having been cleared away, sail was once more made on the
frigate, and she steered towards the line-of-battle ship. As she
approached every indication was observed that she had suffered fearfully
in the hurricane. Her ensign was hoisted reversed. The bowsprit and
fore-topmast were gone, as was the mizen topmast, while it seemed as if
in an instant the main-topmast would follow the other masts. All the
quarter boats seemed to have been carried away, and as the frigate drew
nearer a signal was hoisted, which, on being interpreted, was--
"Come as close as you can; we have passengers on board, and are
expecting every instant to go down."
The roughness of the sea rendered the passage of boats between the two
ships very dangerous. Still Captain Falkner determined to risk them
with the ordinary boats' crews; though, in such cases, volunteers are
often called for. He immediately answered the signal--
"We will send boats; be prepared to lower your passengers into them."
The first and second lieutenants went each to take command of a boat,
and Denham was directed to take charge of one in the place of one of the
other officers who was ill. While the boats were passing between the
two ships, two men were employed in each to bale out the water which
broke into them.