the command. As I thought it probable that the dispersed vessels were driven to the coast of Sumatra, I determined to bend our course there, and this determination gave universal satisfaction to the crew. The state of exhaustion, however, to which hunger had reduced us, rendered our reaching the coast so improbable, that a feeling of despondency took possession of us. Notwithstanding all our economy and care in regard to distributing the provisions, to our horror we found that we had only one day's allowance on board; and, even with a favourable wind, we could not expect to reach the nearest coast in less than five or six days. With a heavy heart I watched the ship's course, which, with a slight wind, moved slowly on. The heat now became oppressive. I was the only one on deck. When twilight began, Tomkins approached with a mysterious look, and said, in a half-whisper, 'Lieutenant, it goes ill with us; in a short time the Minerva will be driven out to the open sea. Have you not remarked the oppressive heat? See how her sails flap together! All hope is past, for there will be a dead calm, which will last for many days. Tomkins,' I replied, you yesterday predicted calm weather; it may be so; but may we not be fortunate enough to procure some fish or wild fowl or, perhaps, we may fall in with some vessels that will bring us assistance? Sir,' answered Tomkins, with a serious look, don't be offended that I speak my mind freely. I am not the man to grumble at the want of provisions. Do you think that an empty larder is depressing to me?—that that is the evil I dread? No, no; old Tomkins has suffered that privation too often to be cast down by it. But,' continued he with earnestness, there is a spirit coming on board, which is always the forerunner of destruction. Do you see nothing, sir? Do you not observe something extraordinary upon deck? Hist! it moves!' he exclaimed in a suppressed voice. And now I did remark that the evening mist had assumed a strange and spectral form, which laid itself down upon the deck. How, Tomkins!' said I in an ironical tone, have you no other grounds for your anxiety than the phantoms which are raised by the mists of the evening? You, who are an old sailor, ought to know that this frequently occurs without any evil agency.' 'Ah, to be sure,' grumbled the old sailor,' every cabinboy would stare at me if I did not know

6

-

that; but a fog in this shape, and upon these seas, is something worse than common evening mist. Have you never heard, lieutenant,' he continued, 'of the Sea Spectre? I shook my head. Well,' said he, I shall tell you of this spirit, of which I have heard from old sailors who have been in these seas. It is well known that this spectre comes on board every vessel which has the misfortune to enter these seas. Over the winds and the provisions has this spirit, which is called the Spectre of the Mist, no power, but only over the crew. It takes its place at the helm, and steers where it thinks fit. This spectre seems every moment to increase in size; it begins to move a few steps from the helm, to which it soon returns, and at every step it takes dooms its victims to death; but if it once reaches the other end of the ship, all hope is lost, and the spectre either brings the captive ship on a rock, or sinks it in the deep.'

"The old sailor's story appeared so truly ridiculous, that but for our melancholy situation I would have laughed outright. Tomkins,' said I, as I turned to go to the cabin, I fear not your spectre: we have enough of real evils, without troubling ourselves with a fabulous spirit.' We shall see enough of it by and bye,' grumbled the old man as I left him.

"Want of sustenance, and the fatigue of watching upon deck, had so much exhausted me, that I soon fell into a deep slumber. About midnight I was suddenly awakened by a dreadful tumult on deck; the noise of voices, the clashing of swords, and the firing of pistols, became tremendous. I flew to the door, but, to my rage and disappointment, I found it locked. This is mutiny, was my first thought. I called on the mate, the boatswain, on old Tomkins, -but no one answered me. I went to the cabin window, and listened attentively; the tumult appeared to be over the gangway. I fired my pistol, but no notice was taken of it.

"It was nearly an hour before the affray ceased; I heard the boatswain exclaim, Surrender instantly, you rascals! or, as sure as you are imps of Satan, I'll fire the powder-room, though we all should dance in the air together.' This threat seemed to take effect, for [ again heard the boatswain say, "Ah! it is well, old boy; and now I will bind you so tight, that the blood will spring out from your finger ends. And now, Tomkins,' he added, 'you may go and

free the lieutenant, whom we locked in. In a few minutes the cabin door flew open, and old Tomkins entered, who told me that the crew had broken open the provision-room, and had helped themselves to all that they found there; and that some of them had entered into a conspiracy to barricade the cabindoor, and leave the vessel to its fate. They carried the stolen provisions on deck, where an unexpected reception awaited them: they were immediately attacked by that part of the crew who would not join in their enterprise, and a severe conflict ensued. In the meantime, some of the mutineers had, unobserved, placed the provisions in the boat, which they instantly lowered into the sea; and having taken possession of it, they were soon joined by their companions, who had the good fortune to fight their way through those who opposed them, and to reach the boat in safety. Deep was the indignation of those who remained at the treachery of their companions. All had taken to flight, except four, who had been placed as a guard at the door of the cabin. I immediately ordered lights to be hung out, and sent several shots after the cowardly rascals, which unfortunately missed them, and they soon vanished in the dark. In the gangway we found many dead, and some severely wounded: the first we lowered into the sea, and we bound up the wounds of the latter. Our situation was now indeed deplorable.

"At break of day, as I stood mournfully upon deck gazing upon the calm sea, old Tomkins again approached me, saying, Well, sir, you yesterday laughed at me for telling you the spectre would pay the Minerva a visit; but I don't think that you will again take the old sailor Tomkins for a man who troubles his head with a fabulous spirit.' In truth, I did again observe something standing immoveable by the helm,which appeared like the figure of a very large, tall man Without waiting to reply to Tomkins's remark, I quickly approached this singular apparition. The nearer I approached it, the more indistinct and shadowy it became. When I reached the place where the phantom stood, to my astonishment it had disappeared; but the instant I left the place, the Spectre re-appeared, and assumed the singular form of an old sailor in a bending attitude. 'See, lieutenant,' said Tomkins, the spectre makes himself sure of a good prey during the night, because he is seen more dis

tinctly. He will now begin to take command of the ship, which he will keep for days. I knew not what to think of this matter, but on being called down to the cabin, where two of the steersmen lay mortally wounded, I cautioned Tomkins to say nothing of it to any of the crew, as not a man would stir from horror of the apparition. 1 found both the wounded men at the point of death. The same day, four more of the crew died, and at midnight we had only twelve men on board the Minerva.

"When we sunk the last body in the sea, I looked towards the helm, but the apparition had vanished. Tomkins, who stood beside me whispered, that it would again appear in the evening, and that it would be more distinctly seen than hitherto. We had paid the last honours to the dead, and my unhappy comrades had gone below to avoid the oppressive heat, and I stood lost in thought on our melancholy situation; not a breath of air cooled the burning atmosphere; not a star glimmered in the wide horizon. Our vessel rocked from side to side, the helm had lost all power over her. I now apportioned what remained of our provisions to the crew, for myself I retained none. Tomkins was still the most active and unrepining.

"As soon as I had dealt out the small remains of the provisions, I returned on deck. Here I found my favourite dog, Cynthio, who, the moment he saw me, turned with feeble steps towards the helm, and looking steadfastly on the place, began to howl. Sorrowfully I called the faithful animal to me. 'Cynthio,' said I, 'for many years you have faithfully served your master; you must now receive your death from his hand.' 1 need not express to you what my sensations were; seizing my pistol, a deep groan followed the shot, and then all was still. The report brought all the crew upon deck. With a bitter sigh I gave the dog to the poor fellows. Their repast was soon prepared, and they all expressed their gratitude for the sacrifice I had made. When Tomkins returned upon deck, he approached me and said, 'Lieutenant, you are a generous man, and spare nothing to your crew.' 'Truly, I have never had that in my power until now,' said I; 'I have done nothing more than you would have done, had you been in my place, Tomkins, for I think you a warm-hearted fellow.' 'But,' answered Tomkins,

"I would rather have kept the dog for another and worse time, which we may yet see.'

"In the evening I felt some one touch my shoulder; I quickly turned round-it was Tomkins. Our steersman is here again,' he whispered; " see how restless he becomes, and how he strides backwards and forwards. Courage will not help us here; those over whose heads he walks, are doomed by him, and he makes himself sure of us also. I now looked towards the helm, and saw the spectre more distinctly than I had done in the morning. On approaching nearer, I remarked with horror and astonishment two eyeless sockets; and the dark and furrowed countenance of the phantom was meagre and ghastly. With crossed arms and measured steps he paced between the helm and the mast. I summoned my courage to my aid, approached and addressed him; but, he silently continued his walk, without appearing to have observed me. I now drew my sword from the scabbard, and made a thrust at the unbidden guest, but it only cut the air, and the spectre quietly pursued its wanderings. You are right, Tomkins,' said I, as I turned to the old man, 'Satan has taken up hisabode with us, and I have no power to drive him away.' With a feeling of terror, which till then I never experienced, I went forward, leaving the spectre to continue his walk undisturbed. The moon had risen; the heavens were bespangled with stars; Tomkins and I were sitting upon deck, lost in thought, when suddenly a wild song arose from the steerage-without doubt the unfortunate beings were endeavouring by this means to restore their cheerfulness. As I was still in hopes that the spectre would suddenly vanish, I looked towards the helm, but to my disappointment I still saw him pacing backwards and forwards as before.Since the evening I had allowed all the work of the ship to stand, as the famished crew were quite unfit for service; and as no exertions on our part could be of the slightest use. All was now quiet in the steerage. That is the calm of desperation, thought 1; and as none of them came on deck to enjoy the cool breeze, I went down to enquire the reason, and to my surprise I found them all in a state of insensibility. They had emptied the last anker of rum; the empty keg lay upon the table, and the unhappy crew were extended on the ground, without any

signs of life. At first, I thought it was from intoxication, but on finding behind the empty anker, a bottle with opium inscribed upon it, and which was also empty, I soon found that the miserable wretches, to console themselves under their privations, had had recourse to this dangerous and fatal remedy. I hastily called Tomkins, and told him my suspicions; we tried to restore them to consciousness, but without success. 'Sir,' said Tomkins, 'I greatly fear none of these poor fellows will ever come to life again; take notice, 'tis not for nothing the spectre is walking over their heads.' He was right. The same night eight of the unhappy crew died in violent convulsions, but the boatswain and cabin boy became sensible next morning. They told us that they had all partaken of the drug, for the purpose of delivering them from their wretchedness. As they had frequently indulged in the use of opium, its operation was slow, but at length death asserted his power, and by mid-day all was over.

"With a mind full of sadness, I paid the last rites to the dead. Tomkins was still active and cheerful, whilst 1, who was much younger, could hardly support myself upon this sorrowful occasion. When all was concluded, I became extremely faint. I threw myself down upon deck; every thing appeared to move around me, and I soon fell into a stupor: my thoughts wandered and became unsettled. I dreamt that I was on a fertile coast, and that several persons approached me with the most delicious fruits. A number of slaves came near, bearing in their hands cups of gold, which emitted the most delicious perfumes. From this enchanting vision I suddenly awoke; but on opening my eyes I thought I still dreamt, for Tomkins stood before me, holding in his hand some of the fruit I had seen in my dream. Without inquiry I took part of it, from which I found great refreshment. Inquiringly I looked at Tomkins, who, in confusion, threw down his eyes. 'How came you by this fruit,Tomkins?' I asked after a pause: Did you swim for it to-day, sir?-that's a sign we must be near some coast.'' Not to-day,' said Tomkins; but I swam for it when we lay at anchor on the coast of Java.' Impossible, Tomkins ?' I replied, as I angrily sprung up; surely you could not have kept this refreshing fruit when so many of your messmates were dying of want?' I give you my word, sir,' said Tomkins with a firm voice, 'I have

always divided my rations with them: they are now dead; but not from famine alone, but from their wounds, and the opium they drank.' This reply placed the old sailor in a very favourable light. He told me he had overheard my conversation with the captain, in regard to our want of provisions, in consequence of which, when keeping watch during the night, he swam secretly to the shore, bought some fruit, and returned with out being missed. He expressed his happiness at having an opportunity of showing his gratitude to me, for having saved him from a punishment with which the captain had threatened him. We now went down to the steerage, where he showed me where he had hid the fruit, and some cocoa-nuts, under an old chest.

"In the evening our spectre friend again appeared: he was even more restless than ever. With rapid steps he quickly strode to the bench where we sat, and with a commanding air he stretched forth his right hand. On his deep furrowed features lay the expression of a fiend. By heavens, my young friend, I have stood the battle's thunder without feeling the terror which seized me at the sight of this spectre! The nearer it approached me, a shudder ran through my veins. The dreadful feeling of expectation which filled me, at every turn the spectre took, became at length so insufferable, that drawing a pistol from my belt, I fired at this wandering spirit; but it had not the least effect on him. Of what use is it, sir,' said Tomkins, as I threw myself in deep disappointment by his side, no human hand can injure him. We, too, are marked out for his sacrifice, and he is compelled to continue his wandering over the whole ship. If he again comes this way we are lost. You had better now write down the melancholy intelligence, how that the cutter Minerva and her crew were sunk into the sea.'

"In the evening the spectre again began its wanderings, which continued till next morning. After we had divided the last cocoa-nut, Tomkins,' said I, I owe my life to you, and the service you have rendered me is the more to be praised, as you will probably live some days longer, and have nothing left for yourself. Let us, Tomkins, boldly meet death as brave sea men, nor fear the spirit as he stands before us with his threatening looks and gestures.' Upon this I went down to the cabin, to give an account of the destruction of the vessel and the crew.

I had just finished my document, which was to be thrown into the sea, and believing my last hour to draw near, I lay down in my hammock, when I was suddenly aroused from my uneasy and disturbed slumber, by the joyful voice of Tomkins, who, rushing into the cabin, exclaimed, Hurrah, sir, our deliverance is near. The spectre has disappeared, and a stiff breeze now fills the sails.' I flew upon deck, and found to my relief that the dreadful spectre had indeed taken to flight; but I could not restrain a sigh at the loss of the crew, as from want of hands we could make but little way. Courage, lieutenant,' said Tomkins, if this wind will not take us to any vessels, it may bring them to us. The phantom has taken himself off, that is the principal thing, and convinces me that we will soon be succoured.' Tomkins was so strong in this hope, that in the evening he hung out lights, and fired a signal gun; but, as the morning dawned, not a sail could we descry on the wide and solitary ocean. I now gave up to despair, but nothing could damp the hopes of Tomkins. He ascended to the masthead, declaring he would stay there till he saw a sail, or die like a brave sailor. This affected me much. I threw myself upon deck, there to await our unhappy fate. I was soon roused from my painful reflections by an exclamation from Tomkins, of "A sail! a sail ! -a sail before the wind!' he exclaimed in breatheless haste. The joyful intelligence instantly restored my strength. While Tomkins fired a signal gun, I went up the mast, and there saw, not one, two, or three, but four sail. It was the fleet which we had convoyed to Canton, and, to my great joy, I saw the vessels bending their course towards us.

"I was soon in the arms of my friends. Some sailors who were on board informed us, that the spectre was the apparition of a Portuguese corsair, who, 200 years ago, had drowned himself in the Eastern Ocean, from remorse at having, in the most cruel manner, allowed his crew to die of hunger.

"We returned to England. Tomkins made some new voyages with me, after which he went to Greenwich. He is now nearly ninety years of age: we have not met for a year; and, my young friend, this is the anniversary of that day on which the phantom disappeared, whose presence had caused so much terror.

"