Scratch, scratch went our pens over the paper, interrupted by no sound
except an occasional flap of the huge main-sail, or the creaking, now and
then, of a block or a bulkhead, as the schooner lazily rolled, and rose and
fell upon the long smooth seas.
Suddenly the loud, stern voice of Mr. Sims, in tones of the highest
excitement, burst upon us like a clap of thunder in a cloudless sky.
KALOOLAH.
59



" Luff ! luff ! " he exclaimed with startling energy. " Down with your
helm ! hard down ! Let go the head sheets ! Let go every thing ! "

At the first order Captain Coffin sprang up the companion-way, and I
followed directly behind him. As my head fairly emerged above deck I
heard the captain shriek out the order to let go the halliards. At this
instant the schooner was knocked clear over, and a portion of spray,
driven with a rapidity that gave it a force almost as great as that of
grape-shot, struck me on the side of the head and dashed me against the
side of the hatchway, when I must have rolled back down the cabin stairs
perfectly senseless.
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CHAPTER VIII.
The Schooner on Her Beam Ends — State of the Wreck — Jonathan Alone — Cuts Away the
Main-Mast — Pumps Out the Wreck — The Water Casks Swept Overboard — Jonathan's
Expedient — A Successful Experiment.
[OW long I remained in that condition I know not, but I sup-
pose it could not have been more than ten or fifteen minutes.
