The tempest had raged for six days, and on the seventh seemed to increase.

The ship had been so far driven from its course, that no one on board knew where we were.

Every one was exhausted with fatigue and watching.

The shattered vessel began to leak in many places, the oaths of the sailors were changed to prayers, and each thought only how to save his own life.

"Children," said I, to my terrified boys, who were clinging round me, "God can save us if he will.