THE WRECK

To the children the restless sea with its many changes was a new sight. One day it would be flat and calm and shiny, like a big mirror. Again quickly changing with a breeze to blues of various shades. Again it would be broken with white-caps and spray, as the wind grew stronger.

And it was so big! And Captain Hawes assured them that it was even bigger than it looked, telling them that if they went away out there to the distant edge by the sky, they would still see another just as far off, and so on for many, many days before they would get to the other side of the ocean.

When the winds blew high and the waves dashed against the rocks and tossed up the white spray, he would take them down to the beach to watch the storm, and see the surf roll in. Of course this was a time for rubber boots, "oilskins," and "sou'westers," such as the seafaring people wear.

One day during a gale, a "nor'easter," when they could hardly stand alone, they saw a schooner wrecked out on the rocks. Everybody on shore was greatly excited. And the life-boat with its hardy crew put off to the rescue of the sailors, who could be seen clinging to the rigging, waiting for help. They were all saved, but the vessel was lost, and dashed high up against the rocks.

A few days later, when the storm had passed and the sea became calm again, Captain Hawes rowed the children out to the rocky point to see the wreck. Here the stranded schooner lay firmly wedged among the rocks. Her masts were gone, her back was broken, and her bow splintered in pieces, rigging and tatters of sails hung about in confusion. And the good craft, which such a short time before had been sailing so proudly, was now but a worthless hulk.

Such was often the end of a good many stout vessels, the Captain told the children; this was the chance of the sea. And then, once started, he told them long and thrilling tales of his different voyages and adventures, and the wrecks he had known, and been in.