Everything went well until the 9th of the following month, when she encountered a severe gale.
Despite all that skillful seamanship could do, and in the face of the most strenuous exertions, she struck the dangerous Susanne Reef, near Poseat Island, one of the Caroline group of the South Sea.
The wreck was a total one.

The vessel broke up rapidly, and seeing that nothing could be done, the captain and crew, numbering ten men in all, took to one of the boats, carrying with them only a single chronometer belonging to the ship.

Even after entering the small boat they were still in great danger, and only succeeded after the utmost difficulty in reaching a small islet some miles to the southward.

The storm was still raging so violently that the shelter was a most welcome one, though as there were no animals or vegetation, or even water upon the island, their stay of necessity could be only temporary.

They had saved nothing to eat or drink, and to remain where they were meant a lingering death.
After several hours waiting, the tempest abated somewhat, and launching their boat once more, they rowed toward the main island.
"The end is likely to be the same in either case," remarked the captain to the second mate, George W.Harrison, as they approached the land.
"And why ?" inquired the latter: "we shall find food and water there." "True enough; but there are no fiercer savages on the South Sea than those of this island, and I have never heard that they were particularly friendly toward the crews of shipwrecked vessels." "They may not discover us until we can signal some passing ship." "There is no possibility of any such good fortune as that." "Stranger things have happened, and--" "Does that look like it ?" interrupted the captain in some excitement, pointing toward the island.
The sight that met the gaze of every one was startling.