events;" and so saying, he went into the cabin, and I perceived that
he was busy at his bed-place.

My eyes were still fixed upon the squall, as I watched it advancing
at a furious speed on the surface of the water; at first it was a
deep black line on the horizon, but as it approached the vessel, it
changed to white; the surface of the water was still smooth. The
clouds were not more than ten degrees above the horizon, although
they were thick and opaque--but at this season of the year, these
tornadoes, as I may call them, visited us; sometimes we had one,
sometimes more, and it was only when these gusts came on that we had
any rain below. On board of the vessel--I speak now from my after
knowledge--they did not appear to be aware of the danger; the sails
were all set and flapping against the masts. At last, I perceived a
small object close to the vessel; this I presumed was the boat which
my companion looked for. It was like a young vessel close to the old
one, but I said nothing; as I was watching and wondering what effect
the rising wind would have upon her, for the observations of my
companion had made me feel that it was important. After a time, I
perceived that the white sails were disappearing, and that the forms
of men were very busy, and moving on board, and the boat went back to
the side of the vessel. The fact is, they had not perceived the
squall until it was too late, for in another moment almost, I saw
that the vessel bowed down to the fury of the gale, and after that,
the mist was so great that I couldn't see her any more.

"Is she sending a boat, boy?" cried my companion.

"I can't see her," replied I; "for she is hidden by the wind."