Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIX. THE FLYING CLOUD INSPECTS THE REEFCAPTAIN BOWERS SENDS THE MEN ASHORE FOR WOOD-BRADY HAS BAD LUCK AGAIN. HE next morning, at daylight, the schooner's sails were set, her anchor weighed, and she sailed up the Pveef, until we sighted the wrecker approaching from the next station. Then she sailed down the Reef, passing her anchorage, and continuing her course until we sighted the wrecking sloop, which was under way from the station in that direction. Then the course was reversed for the second time, and she returned to her anchorage, after having been under way for five or six hours. This was the daily mode of procedure, but it was not invariable. The object of the wreckers is to survey the Reef, daily, throughout its whole extent; and the only test which can be afforded that it ia effectually accomplished, is by sighting each other in both directions, and thua they see that there is no wreck in the intervening space. On the morning of which I spoke, when we came to' anchor, furled the sails, coiled away ropes, and got every thing in good order, it was between twelve and one o'clock, and we took dinner. Soon after it was over, the captain ordered the men to lower away one of the quarter-boats, and go ashore to cut wood for the schooner. Probably seeing my wistful look towards the preparations, he said, "If you want to go, you can go, Fred, -- that is, if you have got through with your duties." "I have nothing to do, sir," I answered; "unless you have something particular that you wish done." "No," said he, "nothing. If you've finished your regular duties, be off with you." The men, having provided themselves with axes and a keg of drinking water, placed them in the quarter-boat used for the purpose of wooding, and then lowered...