Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/168

hollow sound rolled over the ship, and a faint flash glimmered through the darkness. That first peal of thunder was like a summons; the wind rose up at once with frantic violence; peal followed peal, and flash followed flash; and the trampling of the hurried steps over-head told of the anxiety and exertion going on above. Frank never for a moment left his sister, who, though too young for fear at their actual danger, was terrified at the unusual darkness and noise. A number of the men now came below; a sound of loosened chains was heard, and plunge after plunge into the waters. They had been forced to throw the guns over-board. Immediately came a tremulous crash, as of the falling of some heavy mass; the-mast head been cut away. Frank now fancied that the vessel seemed to reel less, but appeared to be dashing on with frightful velocity. The trampling over head, too, abated, and the thunder ceased: it only made the fierce and howling sound of the wind more terrible. At this moment came the gleam of a dark lantern into their cabin; it was the old seaman; but his face was ghastly pale, and his features looked rigid, as if he had suffered from long illness. Francis saw no hope in his countenance, and he asked no questions.