severe squalls at every season of the year. A squall at sea no
unusual occurrence is often the cause of anxiety, being
attended with danger. Sometimes the rush of wind is so violent
that nothing will resist its fury, and before the alarm is given
and the canvas reduced, the masts are blown over the side or the
vessel capsized. Therefore, on the approach of a squall, a
vigilant officer will be prepared for the worst, by shortening
sail and making other arrangements for averting the threatened
danger.

I hardly knew how it happened, but one afternoon when we were a
little to the northward of Bermuda, and should have kept a
lookout for squalls, we were favored with a visit from one of a
most energetic character. Its sudden approach from under the lee
was either unnoticed or unheeded until the captain accidentally
came on deck. He was instantly aware of the perilous condition
of the brig, for the "white caps" of the waves could be
distinctly seen, and even the roar of the wind could be heard as
it rushed towards us over the water. Before any orders could be
executed before the sails could be taken in, the yards braced
round, or even the helm shifted, the tempest broke over us. The
rain fell in torrents, the wind blew with tremendous violence,
and a scene of indescribable confusion ensued.

The captain stood near the companion-way, much excited, giving
directions with energy and rapidity. "Hard up your helm!" said
he; "Hard up! Lower away the mainsail! Let go the peak
halliards! Why DON'T you put the helm hard up? Let go all the
halliards fore and aft! Clew down the fore-topsail! Haul in the
starboard braces! There steady with the helm!"