As it would have been imminently dangerous to proceed in the boats during the night, we decided to keep close to the ship till break of day. Accordingly, the boats were made fast to each other, and the long-boat attached to the flying gib-boom by a rope of considerable length, which one of our party was in readiness to cut, should the ship go down. The advantage of the caution used in loading the boats was now apparent; the gunwale of the long-boat being within a very little distance of the water, and she was leaking so much, that it required the constant labour of two hands to keep her free; but we hoped she would take up before morning.

Being now in a state of inaction, we had time to reflect on our altered situation. A few hours ago, we