So far as it was possible under the circumstances to estimate the probable extent of this cyclone, its greatest diameter would appear to have been from about one hundred and sixty to two hundred miles, whilst the diameter of the vortex, through a considerable portion of which, if not actually through the centre, the Alabama appears to have passed, would probably be from about thirty to five-and-thirty or perhaps forty miles.

The Alabama took the gale at S.W., the wind hauling afterwards to S., and the vessel passing completely through the vortex.  During that time it lulled for about half or three-quarters of an hour, then hauled in a few minutes to about N.N.W., which was the severest portion of the gale, commencing with the squall by which the mainyard was carried away.  The barometer sank as low as 28.64.  At 2 P.M. it had risen to 29.70, but fell again a little, and then rose gradually.  The rise and fall of the barometer were both very rapid.

During the violence of the gale, the birds flew very low, and with great rapidity, and some rain fell, though not a great deal.  The surface of the sea was one sheet of foam and spray, the latter completely blinding all on deck.  A curious result of the gale was a huge knot into which a strip of the maintopsail, the clew line, and chain sheet had twisted themselves in a hundred involutions, defying any attempt at extrication except by aid of the knife.

During this tremendous storm the Alabama behaved splendidly, proving herself as fine a sea-boat as ever swam.

By the evening the storm had lulled, but the sea was still running fearfully high, and it was not until the next day that it was possible to set about repairing the damage suffered in this by far the severest trial through which the Alabama had as yet passed.

CHAPTER XVII.

Out of luck—­Tempest-tossed—­Rotatory storms—­A prize—­The case of the Lafayette—­A long chase—­The Crenshaw—­Neutral or not?—­Rough again—­The Lauretta—­Condemned!—­The Baron de Custine—­Released on bond.

The Alabama was again out of luck.  For the second time since her departure from Terceira, nearly a fortnight passed without bringing a single prize.  It was, indeed, hardly to be expected that the splendid success which had attended the first three weeks of her cruise could be maintained.  From the 1st to the 18th of September, she had captured and destroyed no less than ten vessels, of an aggregate value of nearly two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.  Then had followed an interval of a fortnight, during which one vessel only was overhauled, and proving to be French, permitted to proceed.  This dull period over, the 3rd October had seen the commencement of another run of good fortune, extending over nearly a fortnight, during which she succeeded in capturing five more vessels, all of considerable size, and for the most part with valuable cargoes.  In this fortnight alone damage was inflicted upon United States property to the amount of more than half-a-million of dollars; and it was but natural that, after so splendid a gift, fortune should for a time hold her hand.