Storm!

The recollection of this personage occurred to the mind of Cedric,
accompanied with no very pleasing associations, just as the Levantine
cleared the mouth of the harbour, and was bearing a full sail before a
propitious northern gale for India.

A quick voyage had almost brought the vessel successfully to the desired
port, when an accident, fatal in its termination occurred, which we
shall endeavour to relate.

There was on board an old man who had long been in the habit of reading
the almanac, observing the changes of the wind and moon, the rising and
setting of the sun, the degree of heat or cold, dryness or dampness of
the atmosphere, the form and colour of the clouds, the rising and
falling of the mercury, and several other similar indications of the
weather, who for his knowledge in these matters, had obtained the
epithet of "weatherwise," and indeed not without reason, for although he
might sometimes be wrong in his prognostications to the no small
amusement of others, and to his own mortification; yet in general they
were pretty correct, especially of the approach of a storm in a tropical
climate.

One fine evening whilst walking on the deck, he carelessly observed,
that there would be a heavy sea gale, accompanied by rain, before
morning. The captain of the vessel, who happened to be within hearing,
cursed the poor fellow for his prediction, declaring that he kept the
whole crew in a state of alarm, and vowing that if he foretold another
tempest he would throw him overboard. The old man, who had a
considerable opinion of his own talents, calmly replied, "_experientia