XVII. A SHIP IN A STORM. (55)

1. Did you ever go far out upon the great ocean? How beautiful it is to
be out at sea, when the sea is smooth and still!

2. Let a storm approach, and the scene is changed. The heavy, black clouds
appear in the distance, and throw a deep, deathlike shade over the world
of waters.

3. The captain and sailors soon see in the clouds the signs of evil. All
hands are then set to work to take in sail.

4. The hoarse notes of the captain, speaking through his trumpet, are
echoed from lip to lip among the rigging. Happy will it be, if all is made
snug before the gale strikes the vessel.

5. At last, the gale comes like a vast moving mountain of air. It strikes
the ship. The vessel heaves and groans under the dreadful weight, and
struggles to escape through the foaming waters.

6. If she is far out at sea, she will be likely to ride out the storm in
safety. But if the wind is driving her upon the shore, the poor sailors
will hardly escape being dashed upon the rocks, and drowned.

7. Once there was a ship in a storm. Some of her masts were already
broken, and her sails lost. While the wind was raging, and the billows
were dashing against her, the cry was heard, "A man has fallen overboard!"

8. Quickly was the boat lowered, and she was soon seen bounding on her way