The Advance of Science in the Last Half-Century

ther rough voyage, as they were sure to have a storm or two in crossing at that time of year. Eric protested that he would no

ce he asked the major "if a real storm were worse than this." A few days later, however, when he got his sea-legs all right, and the Fra

te indifferent to the boisterous weather. He told his passengers that he was sorry for the many discomforts they were forced to endure, but otherwise showed no concern. He was a daring sailor, and had crossed the ocean a score of times before. As they approached the American side, however, and the storm still continued, he grew very anxious, as his troub

ft the quarter-deck, and his face grew haggard and his eyes bloodshot with being constantly on the look-out. Realizing that a crisis was at hand, and determined to know the worst, Major Maunsell made bold to ask the captain to tell him the real state of

cting to hear the roar of its breakers any minute, and once the Francis gets amongst them, God help

trange island which scarcely lifts itself above the level of the Atlantic, less than a hundred miles due east from Nova Scotia. Stories that chill

done by monsters in human guise who plied the wrecker's trade there, and, acting upon the principle that de

very unhappy as he tried to amuse himself with a book. The boy was worn out by the ceaseless pitching and tossing of the vessel. He felt both home-sick and sea-s

his big brown eyes open their widest. "Will th

gs, the major replied with

he would be all right. There is nothing to do but to wait, and hope for the best." And sitting down

t of going to their berths or taking off their clothes that night, but all gathere

of the Royal Artillery, and Lieutenants Sutton, Roebuck, and Moore of the 16th Light Dragoons; while in the fore-cabin w

to all on board to prepare for the worst, as the ship might be among the breakers at any moment. The poor passengers hastened t

her, tossing her to and fro as though she was no heavier than a chip, while the fierce storm shrie

l worthy of the name he bore. He had Prince with him now, for the captain had himself suggested that he had better have the dog near at hand. The noble creature seemed to have some glimmering of th

part us. You can depend up

im fondly, Er

won't you?" at which Prince wagged his tail respon

nding some sign of change for the better; and on his return to the cabin the others would eagerly scan his cou

anger so near at hand, could not keep from falling into a fitful slumber, as he lay upon the cushioned

e long stormy passage had been very hard upon him. He had grown gaunt, and his smooth, shiny skin had become rough and unk

kdene, which somehow seemed to be undulating in a very curious fashion, Eric caught sight of Major Maunsell retu

ny better, and will it

best to look cheer

ic, at all events, and it will n

into the major's face, "we might all get ashore all right, mightn'

, although deep down in his heart he seemed to hear Captai

Prince's collar if we do get wrecked. He can swim ever so much

, smiling tenderly upon him. "Keep tight hold of Prince,

that he is!" And so saying, Eric threw himself down upon his dog and gave him a hearty hug, which the mastiff evidently much

ed herself a trusty ship, and, with Captain Reefwell on the quar

ry passengers gathered around the table for what would, in all probability, be their last meal on board the Francis, and perhaps their last on earth. The fare was not very tempting, for what could the cooks do under such circumstances? B

come up on deck. The ship

n with the others. When they reached the deck an awful scene met their eyes. The fog had lifted considerably, so that it was possible to see some distanc

he breakers extend to right and left until they were lost in the shifting fog, but the nearest line was evidently only an advance-guard;

hole situation; and drawing Eric close to him, he made his way through the confus

e been borne off into the boiling surges; for a tremendous billow rushed upon the helpless vessel, sweeping her from stern to stem, and carrying away a number of the soldiers, who, having nothing to hold on by, were pick

e a wave of surpassing size, which, lifting the Francis as though she had been a mere feather, bore her over the bar into the de