.MTIwNg.OTMwNTU

35. The little boat was sent out to make soundings and ascertain where we were. The letting down - manning - and putting off of the boat was to us landsmen very fereful. The sea was running very heavy - and yet not so much so as to make us think getting out the boat to difficult an operation. We stood by the quarter rail watching the men. For get in and the boat is lowered - no sooner does she reach the water than the surge whangs her with violence against the ship - with much difficulty another man gets aboard from the stairs when unable to control her - the boat washes under the wheel house and nearly capseizes. They get off and report deeper water to the winward. It was deemed advisable to return to the Pilot Boat and bring on another pilot. They haul the boat alongside to take two more sailors - cautiously she approaches till suddenly a man catches her - and like lightning drives her sideways against the ship. Ropes are thrown to her fore and aft - while a rope is passed down the side for the men to slide down upon. What a position for a sailor. A single rope to cling to - the razing sea beneath - night rendering all objects indistinct - and a little boat rushing to and from the ships side - so furious as almost to defy boarding. However down goes a sailor - the boat sways off and in an instant comes back with the switness of an arrow - the man was almost down - my heart was in my throat for I thought the boat had caught his legs - but he had seen the coming danger and sprany upwards - he dropped for the boat - but ere he felt secure enough to let go - the boat had plunged outward again - and he was left dangling over the boiling waters! At last he succeeded in accomplishing his object. Then was confusion and many rough orders - and turmoil - it was snow mastering the elements - but at last all was done and the boat pushed off. I felt clearly the dangers of sea-life - and how often the sailors existence hangs by the merest chance. All but a sailors heart would have been appalled by their nights dangers. And difficulties. I thought of the Ship Kent - when burning so thrilled by childish imagination. Men - Women and Children - crawling out to the end