danger, nor strove to shun it, yet he then sometimes felt his heart sink within him, when, redoubling at intervals, the agonizing cries and shrieks of the ladies met his ear.
The sound of hope at last is heard: "Danger is past! the danger is past!" re-echoes every voice. The thunder's terrific roar is hushed to peace; the lightning ceases to flash; the tempest's formidable rage abates; wild confusion no longer reigns; the fears of timid passengers subside, and the destructive effects they anticipated are scarcely to be traced! The wind veered to the south, and the freshening gale brought peace and security on its wings.
Swift over the seas the vessel drives; Madras appears in sight. The first object catching the eye, upon the anchor being cast, was an Indian upon his catamaran, who, making a sudden motion, sprung to the side of the ship, grappled there for a moment, and the next was on the deck. In a short time after a budgerow*[1] lay beside the vessel, and notice was given that it came to convey about fifteen passengers on shore.
In compliance with the message, the officers prepared to conduct the ladies to the boat, the curious structure of which, the deep sides, covered
- ↑ * A large covered boat.
