try to work a crab at low tide as to keep her to it in a blow like
that. She minds her helm like a porpoise in the breakers. Old Davy
must have put his mark upon her some time, but I never know'd a
lucky vessel to be got as she was. She makes a haul on the
underwriters every time she drifts across; for I never knew her to
sail clear since I shipped in the old tub. If she was mine, I'd find
a place for her at somebody's expense."

The sea became smooth, the water was found to have receded, the
wind, light, had hauled to W.S.W., and Cape Antoine was judged by
dead reckoning to bear S.S.W. about thirty miles distant. The
larboard fore-shrouds were found to have been scorched by the
lightning, which had completely melted the tar from the
after-shroud. All hands were now busily employed repairing the
wreck, which by two o'clock P.M. they had got so far completed as to
stand on their course in the gulf, at the rate of six knots an hour.

The skipper now consulted in his mind as to the expediency of making
for Havana or proceeding on his cruise. The leak had materially
diminished, and, like all old vessels, though she gave a good
portion of work at the pumps, a continuation of good weather might
afford an opportunity to shove her across. Under these feelings, he
was inclined to give the preference to his hopes rather than yield
to his fears. He considered the interest of all concerned--consulted
his mate, but found him governed by his superstition, and looking
upon the issue of his life about as certain whether he jumped
overboard or "stuck by the old tub." He considered again the
enormous port-charges imposed in Havana, the nature of his cargo in
regard to tariff, should his vessel be condemned, and the ruinous
expenses of discharging, &c. &c. together with the cost of repairs,