"
"That's true enough," replied Ready: "we have no help for it; it is
God's will, sir, and His will be done."
"Amen!" replied Captain Osborn solemnly; and then he continued, after a
pause, "There were many captains who envied me when I obtained command
of this fine ship, - would they change with me now?"
"I should rather think not, Captain Osborn, but you never know what the
day may bring forth. You sailed with this vessel, full of hope - you
now, not without reason, feel something approaching to despair; but who
knows? it may please the Almighty to rebuke those angry winds and
waves, and to-morrow we may again hope for the best; at all events you
have done your duty - no man can do more."
"You are right," replied Captain Osborn; "but hold hard, Ready, that
sea's aboard of us."
Ready had just time to cling with both hands to the belaying-pins when
the sea poured over the vessel, with a volume of water which for some
time swept them off their legs: they clung on firmly, and at last
recovered their feet.
"She started a timber or two with that blow, I rather think," said
Ready.
"I'm afraid so; the best vessel ever built could not stand such shocks
long," replied Captain Osborn; "and at present, with our weak crew, I
do not see that we can get more sail upon her.
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