temporary repairs were closely scrutinised and pronounced so strong that no gale could destroy them.  The moaning of the hoarse wind through the rigging, and the sinister appearance of the lowering clouds as they hurried away to leeward, indicated that mischief was in the air, and that there was every probability of the soundness of the renovated rigging being promptly tested.  The wind and sea were making, with swift roaring anger, but not a stitch of canvas was taken in, every spar and rope-yarn aboard was feeling the strain as the clipper was crashed into the surging waves which flowed between the shores of an iron-bound gulf.  The vessel was swept with exciting rapidity towards her destination, but before morning dawned the gale had become so fierce sail was ordered to be shortened.  Soon the course had to be altered, and the full weight of the tempest was thrown on the damaged parts.  The crew had the encouraging satisfaction of seeing that their hastily accomplished work refused to yield to the vast strain it was suddenly called upon to bear.  They arrived at their discharging port without further mishap, and, with the exception of fitting new chain-plates to connect the shrouds to, everything else was secured by the crew, and she was brought home without incurring any further cost to her owners and underwriters.  A very profitable voyage was made, and the captain had the distinction of receiving a condescending benediction from the manager on his arrival home.  He was told with an air of unequalled majesty that in many ways the mishap was disastrous, “but,” said the manager, “I am impelled to confess that it is atoned for by the singular display of merit which has been shown in not only extricating your vessel from a perilous position, but for your expedition and economy in carrying out the repairs!” The captain responded to this eloquent tribute by assuring his employer that he was deeply grateful for this further token of his confidence, and very shortly after he was materially rewarded from quite an unexpected source by being offered the command of a fine steamer, which he only accepted after considerable pressure had been brought to bear on him by the owners of the steamer and his own friends.

Long before steamers had captured the coasting trade of the northern coal ports, a brig which carried coal from the Tyne, Blyth, or Amble to Calais, was caught by a terrific gale from the east when returning north in ballast.  She managed to scrape round all the points until Coquet Island was reached, when it became apparent from the shore that it would be a miracle if she weathered the rocks which surround that picturesque islet.  Her movements had been watched from the time she passed Newbiggin Point, and grave fears for her safety spread along the coast.  The Coquet was closely shaved, but she was driven ashore between Alnmouth and Warkworth Harbour.  The position was excitingly critical.  It was low tide, and the storm raged with malignant force, so that when the flood made there seemed little hope of saving the crew.  As to the vessel herself, it was only a question of time until she would be shattered into fragments.