Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/218

216 "land" was heard. It was the custom of Douglas, when not better employed, to walk the quarter deck with his telescope in hand; it appeared to him the horizon displayed a speck, bearing to the sight an indistinct appearance of land. Upon continuing his survey, he observed it gradually increase and darken. He turned to consult the captain, who, as himself, was then employed in a similar investigation, and who, in catching the inquiring eyes of Douglas, confirmed the tidings already made known, by saying, "It is the place of our destination—it is Madras."

"The news is gratifying," replied Douglas; "but the wind which chafes my cheek becomes bleak and keen; do you not think, before we reach it, we stand some hazard of being overtaken by a squall?"

The captain required not the warning, his vigilant eye had already marked the gathering clouds; one moment had scarcely elapsed, when, in the next, the sky became completely overshadowed, the winds furiously raged amongst the shrouds, whilst the busy mariners became active in slackening the cordage, and reefing the sails.

Douglas nevertheless stood on the side of the reeling deck, impressed with awe, not from a sense