CHAPTER III. "Methinks the phantoms of the dead appear; The wreck, the shore, the dying, and the drown'd." FALCONER. How truly did Archbishop Leighton remark, that the Christian has a supernatural delight in natural things. Among the many sources of pleasure for which Sir Evan endeavoured to inspire his nephew with a taste, was the enjoyment to be derived from the scenery of this noble world, and especially from the various aspects of the ocean. The evening of Allan's joyous birthday set in with the fiercest storm at sea that the oldest inhabitant could remember, and Lady Edith proposed, after their guests had dispersed, that the family party, Allan, Sir Evan, and herself, should proceed to the shore, accompanied by Mr. Herbert. As they proceeded through the beautiful park, many an autumn leaf, gorgeous in tints of orange, crimson, and scarlet, whirled past or dropped at their feet before they reached the tall summit of the red cliffs which overhung the sea, rising abruptly more than two hundred feet above the tide. There the waves dashed upwards with an explosion like thunder, while the sad wailing sound of the hurricane caused a dismal duet with the hoarse murmur of the billows, and loudly contrasted with the cheerful voices of the four animated spectators, pleased with their walk, with each other, with the glittering sunset, and with all animated nature. "But the wind is so high," said Allan, grasping his cap to keep it on, "that we shall not know till the day after to-morrow whether our heads have not been blown off!" Sir Evan was pointing out how grandly the surf came dashing up the rocks and fell in curling surges beneath, while innumerable sea-gulls were fluttering around in the crimson light, chasing each other on the water, revelling in the foam and dipping themselves in the waves, merry as a party of school-girls on a holiday, when suddenly he paused with a start of evident astonishment and dismay, while it seemed at the moment as if a thunder-bolt in a summer's sky could scarcely have produced in the usually calm spirit of Sir Evan a greater sensation. Allan looked round in amazement, and saw that his uncle was rooted to the spot, with clasped hands and straining eye balls gazing far out to sea, where a long rocky point which interrupted the view was encircled by a belt of roaring surf, and almost concealed by a huge canopy of massy clouds. There the whole ocean seemed rocking in convulsions, and the howling wind sounded indeed sublime, when, bursting suddenly in view, and battling through the hurricane, where Allan had never seen any sail before, a tall vessel appeared, scudding rapidly before the storm, and in her apparently reckless course she seemed making towards Clanmarina Bay. scene became terrifically sublime, as the noble ship, like a floating world, came bounding forwards, as if amidst the hurried riot of the unfettered ocean she would shiver the steadfast cliff on which they stood. The "She is a foreign ship, and carries a foreign flag," said Sir Evan, in a voice of grave apprehension to Mr. Herbert. "See how wildly her colours are streaming in the blast! She will be hurled on the crags !" 66 They have evidently mistaken their course; yet if the captain carries a chart on board, that will point out the almost impossibility of entering this bay with a west wind. Every seaman avoids it!" replied Mr. Herbert, anxiously, while Sir Evan, with shuddering indecision, stood during one short moment endeavouring to think what he ought to do for the endangered vessel. It looked like an Alpine mountain rushing unresistingly forwards, buffeted by the roaring tempest, and springing over the gigantic waves. "They will be lost! all on board must perish!" exclaimed Sir Evan, with increasing agitation. "No warning can reach them now, and no human power can save them. The sails are torn to ribbons-yet how she rends her way onwards! Come all, and follow me. We must do something. Let it not be our faults if they die! Aunt Edith, and Allan, go home instantly, ring the alarm-bell, light the largest fires you can kindle, prepare blankets, linen, hot water, and cordials. Leave the rest to Herbert and me; but hope the best, and pray for our success. In an instant Sir Evan and Mr. Herbert were with dauntless heroism in full career down the precipitous sides of the cliff, hallooing to the fishermen below their hurried orders that the fishing-boats should be instantly unmoored. The sailors had been gazing inactively at the fated vessel; but how great is the power of an individual to arouse heroic feelings and generous thoughts by his own example! When Sir Evan sprang on board the first boat which was afloat, followed by his old military servant McRonald and Robert Carre, he asked in tones of eager animation if any of the clansmen would follow to the rescue, and scarcely had he spoken before he was surrounded by a sufficient crew of hardy, active, energetic seamen. The splash of the oars had already gladdened the brave Chieftain's ears, as they hurriedly pushed off from the shore, and Sir Evan himself was guiding the helm of one boat, followed by several others, when suddenly looking round, the Chief was startled to perceive that Allan, having followed unperceived down the cliff, had leaped into the boat, and was actually seated by his side. The spirited boy glanced at his uncle, his hair blowing wildly in this fiercest of hurricanes, his cheek burning with excitement, and his eye glittering with eagerness, while he waved his hat, and in a tone of fearless delight exclaimed, “Up guards, and at them!" Sir Evan could not but smile at this mal apropos quotation, while he looked irresolutely at this excited young volunteer, daring so far beyond the limits of prudence, but, unwilling to damp so keen an ardour in a good cause, and anxious not to dishearten the boatmen, he pulled with renewed energy out to sea amidst the boiling surge, saying, "Now for a long pull and a strong pull, and a pull together with your Chief." Not a moment was to be lost, for the ship had already struck with so terrific a shock that she seemed instantly going to pieces. Port after port |