The two ships lay almost becalmed in the Gulf of Lyons. Several officers of the Ione, which was only a short distance off, had come on board, when Captain Martin advised them, somewhat to their surprise, to get back to the frigate.
“I don’t quite like the look of the weather,” he remarked. “I’ve seen the masts of a ship whipped out of her, when not five minutes before there was no more wind than we have at present.”
The frigate’s boat left the side and was seen pulling rapidly towards her. Suddenly the cry was heard, “All hands on deck to save ship!”
Those who were below, springing up, found the ship heeling over till her yard-arms almost touched the foaming water, which came rushing over the deck, while the watch were engaged in letting fly tacks and sheets, lowering topsails, clewing up, and hauling down, blocks were rattling, sails shivering, the wind roaring, the sea leaping, hissing, and foaming. The helm was put up, the ship righted, and away she flew before the furious blast, not having suffered any material damage.
The Ione, however, could nowhere be seen. Struck by the squall, she might either have been dismasted or have capsized. In the former case it was very probable that she might fall into the hands of the enemy; but, much as the captain desired it, he could not return to her assistance.
Night came on, and the gale increased, the big ship tumbling and rolling about almost as much as she would have done in the Atlantic, so rapidly did the sea get up. It took some time to get everything snug, but as the ship was at a considerable distance from the land, no great anxiety was felt for her safety.
In the morning the master reported that by his calculation they were about thirteen leagues south-east of Cape Saint Sebastian, on the Spanish coast.
The wind had fallen with almost the same rapidity with which it had risen, but there was still a good deal of sea on. It had now shifted. The first lieutenant was officer of the watch, and was superintending the operation of washing decks.
Rayner, and another midshipman, also with bare feet and trousers tucked up, were paddling about, directing the men in their various duties.
Our hero had just came aft, and was addressing Mr Saltwell, when the latter looking forward, suddenly exclaimed, “What can that smoke be? Run and see where it comes from!”