Some of the boys got so sleepy and
stupefied, that they actually fell asleep at their posts; and the
young third mate, whose station was the exposed one of standing on the
fore scuttle, was so stiff, when he was relieved, that he could not
bend his knees to get down. By a constant look-out, and a quick
shifting of the helm, as the islands and pieces came in sight, the
ship went clear of everything but a few small pieces, though
daylight showed the ocean covered for miles. At daybreak it fell a
dead calm, and with the sun, the fog cleared a little, and a breeze
sprung up from the westward, which soon grew into a gale. We had now a
fair wind, daylight, and comparatively clear weather; yet, to the
surprise of every one, the ship continued hove-to. Why does not he
run? What is the captain about? was asked by every one; and from
questions, it soon grew into complaints and murmurings. When the
daylight was so short, it was too bad to lose it, and a fair wind,
too, which every one had been praying for. As hour followed hour,
and the captain showed no sign of making sail, the crew became
impatient, and there was a good deal of talking and consultation
together, on the forecastle.
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