Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/171

Rh this innocent creature have put hope into my heart:" and the old sailor turned his head to the east, where a dim streak told of the coming day. All know how rapidly the light of morning floods an eastern heaven; wave upon wave of fire kindled the ship, when Frank, who was looking in an opposite direction to his companion, clapped his hands, and, exclaimed joyfully, "Land! Land!" About a quarter of a mile from the wreck extended a line of coast, whose waving palms might be distinctly seen. Michael gave one look, and sank on his knees to return thanks to Almighty God for their wonderful preservation. They could now see all the bearings of their situation: their ship was jammed in between two rocks, both now visible; the one was higher than the other, and to its raising the head of the vessel whereon they stood might be attributed their safety.

"And the boats!" exclaimed Frank.

"Perished! No boat could have lived though the sea of last night," replied his companion; and both remained for a few minutes gazing on the vast expanse of air and water, which still bore traces of their late convulsion. The sea heaved with a tremulous and unquiet motion, and the sky was