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bosom of the sea. At intervals, the darkly-rolling waves
flashed fire, and streaks of flame shot upwards. The wind
increased in violence, and the arch of light was fringed with
rain. A dull, red glow hung around, like the reflection of a
conflagration. Suddenly, a tremendous peal of thunder, ac-
companied by a terrific downfall of rain, rattled along the
sky. The arch of light disappeared, as though some invis-
ible hand had shut the slide of a giant lantern. A great wall
of water rushed roaring over the level plain of the sea, and
with an indescribable medley of sounds, in which tones
of horror, triumph, and torture were blended, the cyclone
swooped upon them.
Rufus Dawes comprehended that the elements had come
to save or destroy him. In that awful instant the natural pow-
ers of the man rose equal to the occasion. In a few hours his
fate would be decided, and it was necessary that he should
take all precaution. One of two events seemed inevitable; he
would either be drowned where he lay, or, should the vessel
weather the storm, he would be forced upon the deck, and
the desperate imposture he had attempted be discovered.
For the moment despair overwhelmed him, and he contem-
plated the raging sea as though he would cast himself into
it, and thus end his troubles. The tones of a woman’s voice
recalled him to himself. Cautiously unlocking the cabin
door, he peered out. The cuddy was lighted by a swinging
lamp which revealed Sylvia questioning one of the wom-
en concerning the storm. As Rufus Dawes looked, he saw
her glance, with an air half of hope, half of fear, towards
the door behind which he lurked, and he understood that

0 For the Term of His Natural Life