All the tents were blown down. Much of the stores there deposited were also carried away into the woods, and the Chinamen became so frightened that all of them disappeared, and were subsequently discovered two miles inland.
The storm increased with such rapidity that in spite of their most active efforts many men were blown off their feet. The immense waves presently caught and broke up the quarter-boats, and the beach was strewn with wreckage.
For some hours the outlook remained so thick that nothing of the 'Alert' could be seen; but some of her spars were noticed coming ashore.
As nothing more could be done along the beach Captain Thorne turned his attention toward saving as much of the tent gear as was possible, and most of it was secured.
Toward the evening the storm abated, and a sudden clearance of the atmosphere was immediately followed by the general cry, 'The barque's gone!' Of her not a trace, save the shattered wreckage ebbing and flowing with every 'send' of the high sea, remained, and all hands perceived that no hope of leaving the island by their own efforts was possible.
'Well, we're in God's hands!' the captain said. 'Had we left here and been caught outside in the storm, none could have lived two hours. Let us be thankful for that mercy.'
So rapidly did the wind fall that before sundown two tents were rigged up amongst the trees near the beach, a fire was lighted, a kettle was found, and filled with water taken from a cask which the gale could only shift a few yards, and all hands settled down for the night.
Next morning not a trace of the late trouble appeared. Indeed, the sun shone with increased brilliancy, and the clearness of the atmosphere was wonderful.
A good fire soon had the kettle steaming cheerily for breakfast, while, 'smiling all over their pigtail faces,' as Readyman said, two of the missing Chinamen strolled into camp seeking food.
'What you do with pigee me give yesterday?' Mr. Statten inquired. 'S'pose you go catchee him.'