and the next moment a crash was heard. The spritsailyard rattled, and
broke off sharp'at the point where it crossed the bowsprit; and a heavy
smashing thump against our bows told, in fearful language, that we had run
her down. Three of the men and a boy hung on by the rigging of the
bowsprit, and were brought safely on board; but two poor fellows perished
with their boat. It appeared, that they had broken their bell; and
although they saw us coming, they had no better means than shouting, and
showing a light, to advertise us of their vicinity.

Next morning the wind once more chopped round, and the weather cleared,
and in four--and--twenty hours thereafter we were off the mouth of the
Elbe, with three miles of white foaming shoals between us and the land at
Cuxhaven, roaring and hissing, as if ready to swallow us up. It was low
water, and, as our object was to land the emissary at Cuxhaven, we had to
wait, having no pilot for the port, although we had the signal flying for
one all morning, until noon, when we ran in close to the green mound which
constituted the rampart of the fort at the entrance. To our great
surprise, when we hoisted our colours and pennant, and fired a gun to
leeward, there was no flag hoisted in answer at the flag--staff, nor was
there any indication of a single living soul on shore to welcome us. Mr
Splinter and the Captain were standing together at the gangway--"Why,
sir," said the former, "this silence somewhat surprises me: what say you,
Cheragoux?" to the government emissary or messenger already mentioned, who
was peering through the glass close by.

"Why, mi Lieutenant, I don't certain dat all ish right on sore dere.'

"No?" said Captain Deadeye; "why, what do you see?"

"It ish not so mosh vat I shee, as vat I no shee, sir, dat trembles me. It