Never was good discipline displayed in a more conspicuous manner.  No argument or entreaty could prevail on Captain Baker to change his resolution.  He again directed the men to quit the vessel, calmly observing that his life was the least, and last consideration.  The men, upon hearing this reiterated command, stepped severally from the poop to the rock with as much order as if they had been leaving a ship under ordinary circumstances.  Unhappily, a few of them perished in the attempt; amongst these was Lieutenant Stanley, who, being benumbed with cold, was unable to get a firm footing, and was swept away by the current, his companions, with every inclination, had not the power to save him; he struggled for a few moments—­was dashed with irresistible force against the rocks, and the receding wave engulfed its victim.

When he had seen every man clear of the wreck, and not till then, did Captain Baker join his crew.

As soon as they had time to look about them, the ship’s company perceived that they were on an isolated rock, separated from the mainland by a few fathoms.  The rock rose some feet above the sea, but to their horror they perceived that it would be covered at high-water.  It seemed as if they were rescued from one fearful catastrophe, only to perish by a more cruel and protracted fate.  They watched the waters rise inch by inch around them, appalled by the feeling that those waters must sooner or later close over them for ever, and that nothing could save them except the outstretched arm of Him who could bid the waves be stayed, and say to the stormy winds, be still.  Every man is more or less courageous under circumstances of danger, when it is attended by excitement,—­such as that of the battlefield.  There is a courage which springs from companionship in danger, and a courage derived from the fear of shame; but the test of true valour is a scene like that we have described. There was no room for a display of the adventitious bravery which often becomes in reality the thing it strives to appear.  No man there could reproach his neighbour if his cheek should blanch and his lip quiver; all are alike appalled, but the well-regulated mind rises superior to the rest.  Such was the case with Captain Baker.  Although he could not conceal from himself that their condition was almost hopeless, he continued with his voice to encourage the timid, and by his arm to support the weak.

By degrees the fog had partially dispersed, and as the dawn began to break, a dreary prospect was displayed.  The haggard countenances and lacerated limbs of the men told the sufferings they had endured, whilst the breakers, which they had only heard before, became distinctly visible.  Still the devoted crew, following the example of their commander, uttered no complaint.  They were ready to meet death, yet they felt it hard to die without a struggle.  The tide was rising rapidly, and if anything was to be done, it must be done instantly.  The boatswain, who had never lost hold of the rope, determined at all hazards to make another effort to save his comrades, or to perish in the attempt.