We
were now almost opposite the vessel, which appeared to be French built;
but the increasing darkness prevented our distinguishing her minutely. The,
flash of a gun from her side, amidst the deepening gloom, redoubled my
interest. A more interesting object than a solitary vessel in danger, I
cannot well conceive. I have always looked upon a ship as a living
creature--the companion of man--a thing instinct with life, walking the
waters--and our feelings are not only excited for the safety of the crew,
but for that of the vessel itself, to which we attach a degree of interest
as for a friend. A gale was now up; the boat put off to their aid was in
danger of being swamped by the surf, and found it impracticable to make
way against a violent head-wind and tide united. Nothing short of a
miracle could now save the ship; however the wind suddenly shifted a
little, and I began to hope that if she was to be wrecked, it might be
farther on the shore; as in case of her striking on the Needles, she must
almost immediately go to pieces under our eyes, without the most remote
chance of the escape of one of the crew.
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