The gentlemen requested the old sailor to give them a few
feet of old planking, to repair some damage which their boat had
sustained the day before. This the captain could not do. They
seemed to think his refusal intentional, and took it as a personal
affront. In no very gentle tones, they ordered him instantly to
prepare his boats, and put his passengers on shore.
"Stiff breeze - short sea," returned the bluff old seaman; "great
risk in making land - boats heavily laden with women and children
will be swamped. Not a soul goes on shore this night."
"If you refuse to comply with our orders, we will report you to the
authorities."
"I know my duty - you stick to yours. When the wind falls off, I'll
see to it. Not a life shall be risked to please you or your
authorities."
He turned upon his heel, and the medical men left the vessel in
great disdain. We had every reason to be thankful for the firmness
displayed by our rough commander. That same evening we saw eleven
persons drowned, from another vessel close beside us while
attempting to make the shore.
By daybreak all was hurry and confusion on board the Anne.
I watched boat after boat depart for the island, full of people
and goods, and envied them the glorious privilege of once more
standing firmly on the earth, after two long months of rocking
and rolling at sea.
