into the sea. The effect was simply magical. Almost immediately
the storm-tossed waves in the vicinity of the ship, which hitherto
had been raging mountains high, quieted down in a way that filled
me with astonishment. This tranquillity prevailed as long as the
oil lasted; but as soon as the supply was exhausted the giant waves
became as turbulent and mountainous as ever.

All night long the gale blew the ship blindly hither and thither,
and it was not until just before daybreak that the storm showed any
signs of abating. By six o'clock, however, only a slight wind was
blowing, and the sea no longer threatened to engulf me and my
little vessel. I was now able to look about me, and see what
damage had been done; and you may imagine my relief when I found
that the ship was still sound and water-tight, although the
bulwarks were all gone, and she had all the appearance of a
derelict. One of the first things I did was to go down and unloose
the dog--poor Bruno. The delight of the poor creature knew no
bounds, and he rushed madly up on deck, barking frantically for his
absent master. He seemed very much surprised to find no one aboard
besides myself.

Alas! I never saw Peter Jensen again, nor the forty Malays and the
two women. Jensen MAY have escaped; he may even have lived to read
these lines; God only knows what was the fate of the unfortunate
fleet of pearl-fishers. Priggish and uncharitable people may
ejaculate: "The reward of cupidity!" But I say, "judge not, lest
ye also be judged."

As the morning had now become beautifully fine, I thought I might
attempt to get out some spare sails. I obtained what I wanted from