Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/177

Rh the main sea into the lagoons; but except for these the islands are surrounded with the reefs, and upon these a ship fortuitously reaching an island would be all but sure to be cast. The reefs reach but a few feet above the level of the sea, and over them, in storms, the ocean water is often dashed.

It is necessary to bear in mind these island formations, with their reefs and lagoons, in order to understand the incidents related by Mr. Holden.

The Mentor, having reached the open ocean, was headed first toward the Island Tusnat, with the intention of here recruiting and sailing thence to the Northern Pacific Ocean for whale, but being moved from her course by the wind was directed toward the Ladrones. The weather had been calm,—too much so for the speed of the ship,—but about noon of a certain day, soon after heading towards the Ladrones, there came a change. The wind began to blow, and it soon became evident that an East Indian typhoon was approaching. Captain Barnard, a careful seaman, at once ordered the sails shortened, but the speed of the vessel seemed little diminished, as the wind was constantly increasing in violence, and the rain also poured in torrents. At length sails were all lowered, and as the topmasts now offered sufficient surface to catch the hurricane they were also, though not without difficulty, let down, and along with the yards lashed to the vessel's sides. A simple stay-sail was set in order to steady the ship and afford the use of the helm, if this were possible.

Night came on, with the storm still increasing, and thus the typhoon continued three days and three nights, neither sun, moon, or stars being visible, and no obser-